Veterans Day crash claims five US service members dead following "mishap" during training, according to officials

Officials said on Sunday that five American service members perished in an early Saturday crash when their helicopter had a "mishap" during a training exercise and entered the eastern Mediterranean Sea.

In an initial statement on Saturday, U.S. European Command stated that while the cause of the crash was being investigated, "there are no indications of hostile activity."

According to the most recent statement from European Command, the aircraft was carrying out a "routine air refueling mission." No other information was given.

In order to give relatives time to prepare, the names of the deceased have not yet been disclosed.

In a statement, President Joe Biden expressed his public sorrow over the deaths and noted that service members "put their lives on the line for our country every day." They willingly take risks to keep the American people safe and secure. And their daily bravery and selflessness is an enduring testament to what is best in our nation."

"We once again affirm the sacred obligation we bear to those who volunteer to serve our nation as well as their families, caregivers, and survivors," Biden said, acknowledging that the crash happened on Veterans Day.