USS Charleston was struck by a MQ-8B after the unmanned helicopter crashed into its side after taking off from the ship around 3:40 p.m., Apr. 26.
PACIFIC OCEAN (March 27, 2021) Chief Boatswain’s Mate Jesse Watson from Boynton Beach, Fla., stands as the flight deck officer for the flight operations of an MQ-8B Fire Scout unmanned aerial vehicle aboard Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Charleston (LCS 18), March 27. Charleston is currently operating in U.S. Third Fleet. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Adam Butler)
The Fire Scout fell into the sea and was not recovered. The ship continues to operate safely.
