Crime & Safety
Commander of Hingham Resident's Squadron Fired Days Before Deadly Helicopter Crash
The commander in the squadron of Cpl. Christopher Orlando was fired three days before a fatal helicopter crash.

HINGHAM, MA - The commander of a Hawaii helicopter squadron that included a Hingham resident was fired days before the unit lost 12 men in a helicopter crash.
Lt. Col. Edward Pavelka was relieved of the job by Brig. Gen. Russell Sanborn on Jan. 11, three days before the collision that took the life of Cpl. Christopher Orlando of Hingham and 11 other men. He had been on the job for under 11 months.
A Marine official told the Marine Corps Times that the removal was related to Pavelka’s ability to lead the squadron, with misconduct not playing a role.
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The crash took place on Jan. 14, with a search lasting five days. None of the Marines were found.
A formal investigation into the crash is ongoing.
Find out what's happening in Hinghamfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
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