A US Navy helicopter was seemingly shot upon a humanitarian mission in the Philippines, which prompted the Navy to temporarily halt the said mission.
There were two bullet holes found on an MH-60 helicopter operating from USNS Mercy hospital ship. The helicopter carried about 11 passengers about 50 miles inland. According to Cmdr. Jeff A. Davis, a Navy spokesman, the holes appear to be an entry and exit point from a single bullet. He said that it was unclear if the bullet struck while the passengers were on the helicopter. There were no injuries and aircraft’s commander was unaware of any bullet striking the aircraft during the flight.
The humanitarian civic assistance mission, the Pacific Partnership 08, has been conducted between nations to provide medical, dental, construction and other services ashore and afloat.
The USNS Mercy was anchored in Cotabatu. Davis stated in an e-mail that the mission commander has ceased all Mercy Pacific Partnership activities until proper assessment can be made.