On 19 April 1997, while conducting a VERTREP with one of "Niagara Falls" UH-46E Sea Knight helicopters crashed into the sea. The crash occurred approximately southwest of Hawaii and all four crew members were safely rescued. The helicopter crew members from Helicopter Support Squadron Five were rescued by the quick reaction of other CH-46 helicopters on-scene at the time of the incident. Assisting in the rescue was a motor-whale boat from "Niagara Falls." The four crew members, who escaped injury, were transported to "Constellation" for medical observation and were released to "Niagara Falls" the same day.