U.S. Defense Secretary offers condolences to families of Nov. 21 helicopter crash victims

U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel offered condolences to the families of the eight Romanian service members killed in a helicopter crash on Nov. 21, while en route to a joint exercise with U.S. forces, informs a release of the Pentagon.

In a statement released on this sad occasion, Hagel praised Romania as a 'stalwart ally and partner of the United States,' stressing that the American military 'deeply appreciates the dedication and sacrifices of the Romanian troops who have served alongside U.S. forces in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Europe.'

'As we mourn this loss, we reaffirm our commitment to defending our shared interests and values, and to strengthening our collective defense. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the fallen, their loved ones, and the Romanian people,' the U.S. Defense Secretary also said.

Eight servicemen were killed and another two were wounded after a military IAR-330 PUMA helicopter crashed on Friday around 10:40 hrs within the boundaries of Malancrav, Sibiu County.

The helicopter was underway from the Campia Turzii 71st Air Base for a military drill at the Cincu shooting grounds (Brasov County). AGERPRES