Downed Black Hawk Was Practicing Secretive Evacuation Plans (2)

Top US officials said a military helicopter was on a regular training mission when it collided with a civilian airliner over the Potomac River on Wednesday night. The scenario its pilots were preparing for was anything but routine.

The UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter’s unit, the 12th Aviation Battalion has a unique mission set — quickly evacuating top US officials to secure locations such as one in Pennsylvania in the event of a catastrophe or attack on the US government.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in a Fox News interview Friday that the helicopter was performing a “continuity of government” drill, ...