SEAL from New Jersey killed in Afghan chopper crash

NEW JERSEY (WABC) -- A Navy SEAL from Toms River, New Jersey, was among nine NATO trrops killed in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan.

Authorities say the Blackhawk helicopter went down as it was trying to land in the Zabul Province in Southern Afghanistan Tuesday.

Authorities say 24-year-old Petty Officer Denis Miranda, who was assigned to the east coast-based SEAL team, died in the crash.

The Taliban claims it shot down the chopper.

This has been the deadliest year for American forces since the war began nine years ago.

The other Navy victims were identified as Lt. Brendan J. Looney, 29, of Owings, Md.; Senior Chief Petty Officer David B. McLendon, 30, of Thomasville, Ga.; and Petty Officer 2nd Class Adam O. Smith, 26, of Hurland, Mo.

McLendon was assigned to a Naval Special Warfare unit. Looney and Smith were also assigned to SEAL teams.

The soldiers killed were Maj. Robert F. Baldwin, 39, of Muscatine, Iowa; Chief Warrant Officer Matthew G. Wagstaff, 34, of Orem, Utah; Chief Warrant Officer Jonah D. McClellan, 26, of St. Louis Park, Minn.; Staff Sgt. Joshua D. Powell, 25, of Pleasant Plains, Ill.; and Sgt. Marvin R. Calhoun Jr., 23, of Elkhart, Ind.

Baldwin was assigned to the brigade headquarters; Wagstaff, McClellan and Calhoun were assigned to the 5th Battalion; and Powell was assigned to the 6th Battalion.

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