of Helmand was the deadliest in Afghanistan since August, when 30 American troops died after a Chinook helicopter was apparently shot down in Wardak province in the center of the country. All six were based at Marine Corps Base Hawaii in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, said base spokeswoman 1st Lt. Diann Olson.
The chopper went down while attempting an emergency landing in shallow water in Kaneohe Bay, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported. The helicopter left its base at Kaneohe Bay about 7 p.m. and crashed about 20 minutes later, 2nd Lt. Diann Olson, a Marine spokeswoman, told the newspaper.