By Bijan Razzaghi
A US Marine Corp AV-8B Harrier II crashed during a training exercise in Djibouti shortly after takeoff. The pilot is reported in stable condition. A day later in El Centro California a CH-53E Super Stallion crashed killing four US Marines. This makes the total aviation accidents to four in the past four weeks when a F/A-18 Super Hornet and HH-60 both crashed killing their crews.
Currently US central command operates out of Djibouti regularly to support Operation Enduring Freedom Horn of Africa and maintain combat readiness. The Harrier involved in the crash was taking part in a training exercise.
The CH-53E crash also took place during a training exercise. The cause of both crashes are under investigation. Aviation accidents can be a common occurrence do to the dangerous nature of training exercises. Despite the risk the US Military has precautions in place to prevent such accidents.
