Louisiana Officials Offer Support After Helicopter Crash In Florida

U.S. Rep. Charles Boustany and Gov. Bobby Jindal have offered their support to the families of the soldiers and Marines who are presumed dead after their helicopter crashed in Florida.

According to a release sent by Boustany, four of the eleven service members were based at the National Guard facility in Hammond.

"Our service men and women put their lives on the line to protect our coast and keep us safe," Boustany said. "This crash is a tragedy. Bridget and I send our support to the families of those involved and are praying for the continued safety of search and rescue teams at this time."

Gov. Jindal said he spoke with the Adjutant General of the Louisiana National Guard Wednesday morning "to offer prayers and support" for the four soldiers from Louisiana and the seven Marines.

"Our guardsmen have fought courageously overseas in defense of our nation, and here at home, they have protected what matters most during times of crisis," Jindal said.

Two Black Hawk helicopters were reportedly conducting training exercises just before the crash. Debris from the crash was reported on a Florida beach outside of Pensacola early Wednesday morning.