This is the 18355th most frequent Russian word.
экипажу
The word "экипажу" is the dative case of "экипаж," meaning "crew" (of a vehicle, ship, or aircraft).
The word "экипажу" is used in dative case to indicate the indirect object of the action "помогли" ("helped"), showing who is receiving the assistance.
Мы помогли экипажу найти потерянное оборудование.
We helped the crew find the lost equipment.
The word "экипажу" is used in dative case to express to whom the assignment "поручено" ("is assigned") pertains.
Экипажу корабля поручено обеспечить безопасность пассажиров.
The ship's crew is assigned the task of ensuring passengers' safety.
The word "экипажу" is in dative case, indicating the recipient of the announcement.