U.S. Navy recovers bodies from helicopter crash

A MH-47 helicopter

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Workers have recovered the bodies of five crewmen who were among 10 killed in February when a U.S. Army MH-47 crashed off the Philippine coast, the U.S. Navy announced Monday.

The five were recovered last week during salvage and recovery operations. The bodies of three others were recovered soon after the crash.

Two are still missing and the search continues, Navy officials say.

The remains will be transferred from Mactan Island in the Philippines to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware, where the bodies will be returned to their families.

RESOURCES Map: Location of crash    EXTRA INFORMATION In-depth: The U.S. military in the Philippines

An investigation into the crash includes efforts to salvage the helicopter wreckage and a voice-activated data recorder. Crews are also trying to recover weapons that were on board. The Navy would not describe the weapons.

The Navy contracted a salvage ship to coordinate the recovery operation. The vessel is capable of transporting equipment and lifting larger pieces of the aircraft. The Navy has deployed a remotely operated vehicle, known as deep drone, and a shallow-water side-scanning sonar search system.

The MH-47 helicopter crashed into the sea February 22 while flying from Basilan Island to Mactan Air Base. The eight Army and two Air Force crewmen were assigned to Joint Task Force 510, which is currently supporting the U.S. effort to train, assist and advise Philippine forces in their fight to counter terrorism.