Aussie Seahawk crashes on Nias Island, kills 9

[Platypus]

And its not the first time a seahawk has crashed in Indonesia-a US navy one crashed in the aftermath of the tsunami (none died)

http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,12745178^661,00.html

The saddest thing is that they were on their way back from helping out from the tsunami and were diverted back to help out on Nias. Susilo Bambang Yudhuyono, the Indonesia President, is in Australia at the moment and from a coldhearted international relations viewpoint, this will help relatons between the two countries, because it shows that AUssies will risk their lives to help Indonesians.

But that's really cold. It's a tragedy and the worst death toll in the Australian military in a day since two helico[pters crashed in training about a decade ago. It's so sad that this happenned in a peacetime relief effort, too. Anyway, it's pretty sad, and we need to get rid of those ancient helicopters imho...

[Jake]

What model was it? Seahawk-B?

[Platypus]

no idea. It was about 30 years old, ex-US navy.

I HATE that we buy the stuff you throw away, but it's all we can afford

[Jake]

no idea. It was about 30 years old, ex-US navy.

I HATE that we buy the stuff you throw away, but it's all we can afford

Yeah, we still use Seahawks though, but I believe we are beginning to phase the older ones out.  Not totally certain about that. 

[Platypus]

I think they're basically our primary naval helicopter, and we bought them second had, so they're getting on a bit.

[WMS]

Sorry this happened. Good luck getting better helicopters.