REQUEST FOR U.S. ASSISTANCE FOR HELICOPTER CRASH

UNCLAS KUALA LUMPUR 001138 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR OPS CENTER AND EAP DUTY OFFICER E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: MARR MASS PREL MY SUBJECT: REQUEST FOR U.S. ASSISTANCE FOR HELICOPTER CRASH IN MALAYSIA ¶1. A Malaysian military helicopter carrying six crew and passengers crashed near the Genting Highlands in central Malaysia on July 13. As of 0930 Malaysian time on July 14, Malaysian authorities were unable to locate the crash site in dense jungle terrain and they continued an urgent search for survivors. The Royal Malaysian Air Force has requested U.S. military assistance in locating the crash site and any survivors using the unique technology available on the SH-60B helicopter. This helicopter is currently aboard the USS Jarrett, which is presently anchored in the Malaysian port of Kemaman following a just concluded joint military exercise. DAO has undertaken preliminary coordination with the USS Jarrett and assistance from the SH-60B for a one-day mission appears feasible. ¶2. The Malaysian Foreign Ministry has processed and approved a flight clearance request in support of this prospective mission. ¶3. The Embassy fully supports provision of this assistance to Malaysia in this humanitarian mission and requests operational approval. The Embassy point of contact is Colonel Martin Bannon, Air Attache, tel. 60-3-2168-4917. Further detailed information is available through DAO/PACOM channels. LAFLEUR