DEVELOPING: 7th Fleet Sends USS Pinckney, P-3C to Assist in Malaysian Air Search

Photo Credit: USA NAVY

South China Sea - USS Pinckney (DDG 91), an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, is en route to the southern coast of Vietnam to aid in the search efforts of the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, March 8.

Pinckney was conducting training and maritime security operations in international waters of the South China Sea. The ship could be in vicinity of the missing jet within 24 hours and carries two MH-60R helicopters equipped for search and rescue.

A P-3C Orion aircraft will also depart shortly from Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan bringing long-range search, radar and communications capabilities to the efforts.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of those affected by this tragic event.