US Air Force V-22 Osprey aircraft crashed during a training mission, claiming the lives of eight crew members. As the search and recovery efforts continued, the identities of these brave individuals were revealed, shedding light on their dedication and service to their nation.
The crash occurred last Wednesday off Yakushima Island, a location known for its picturesque beauty, as per Voice of America.
Osprey Crash Claims Eight American Heroes
GOTEMBA, JAPAN - MAY 27: A Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) V-22 Osprey aircraft arrives for a live fire exercise at East Fuji Maneuver Area on May 27, 2023 in Gotemba, Shizuoka, Japan. The annual live-fire drill took place after G7 leaders discussed ways to further strengthen defense cooperation at their meeting in Hiroshima last week.
The Osprey, a versatile hybrid aircraft that combines the vertical takeoff and landing equivalent capabilities of a spacecraft in terms of speed and range, was carrying eight American crew members when it went down.
Among the fallen heroes were Maj. Jeffrey T. Hoernemann is a CV-22 instructor pilot from Andover, Minnesota; Maj. Eric V. Spendlove is a residency-trained flight surgeon and medical operations flight commander from St. George, Utah; Maj. Luke A. Unrath, a CV-22 pilot and flight commander from Riverside; Capt. Terrell K. Brayman is a CV-22 pilot and flight commander from Pittsford, New York; Tech. Sgt. Zachary E. Lavoy, a medical operations flight chief from Oviedo, Florida; Staff Sgt. Jake M. Turnage, a flight engineer from Kennesaw, Georgia; Senior Airman Brian K. Johnson, a flight engineer from Reynoldsburg, Ohio; and Staff Sgt. Jacob 'Jake' M. Galliher a native of Pittsfield, Massachusetts.
The recovery operation has been a joint effort between Japanese and US military personnel, with divers from both nations working tirelessly to locate and retrieve the remains of the fallen airmen. Jacob Galliher's remains were the first to be found, leaving behind a grieving family that includes his wife Ivy and two young children.
Galliher's family expressed their sorrow and pride in their statement, emphasizing his selfless dedication to his family, country, and the people he loved. President Joe Biden also conveyed his condolences and respect for the fallen, emphasizing the nation's indebtedness to them, according to Daily Mail.
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Controversy Surrounds Osprey Aircraft in Japan
The use of Osprey aircraft in Japan has been a source of controversy, with critics citing concerns about their safety. However, both the US military and Japanese authorities have defended their safety record. This incident marked the second Osprey crash in three months, following a similar tragedy in northern Australia where three Marines lost their lives. The cause of that crash has yet to be disclosed.
In June 2022, five Marines died in a fiery crash in California, attributed to a mechanical failure related to a clutch. Subsequently, the Marine Corps announced that the problematic equipment had been replaced in February 2023.
The Osprey, valued at $90 million, has a unique tilt-rotor design, allowing it to take off and land vertically like a helicopter and transition to high-speed horizontal flight like an airplane. It is used by the US Marines, US Navy, and Japan Self-Defense Forces.
These tragic incidents underscore the risks associated with military aviation, and the utmost priority remains the recovery of the remaining two crew members' remains and providing support to their families. Japan has temporarily suspended the flights of its own fleet of Ospreys in response to the crash.
The joint search and rescue operations involving multiple military branches alongside Japanese allies reflect the strength of the bond between the US and Japan. Rear Adm. Jeromy Williams, Special Operations Command - Pacific commander, expressed his gratitude for the collaborative efforts, emphasizing their dedication to locating and bringing home the fallen airmen to their families. As the recovery efforts continue, the nation mourns the loss of these courageous servicemen and honors their sacrifice, Fox News reported.
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