Death – Obituary – Accident and Crime News : PITTSFIELD, MA — An Osprey crash off the shore of Yakushima Island in Japan has claimed the life of a United States Air Force staff sergeant from Massachusetts. The victim has been identified as Sergeant Jacob “Jake” M. Galliher, a 24-year-old originally from Pittsfield. While Galliher’s remains have been recovered, the search and rescue operation is ongoing as authorities continue to search for seven other Airmen who were onboard the aircraft.
Sergeant Galliher enlisted in the United States Air Force in 2017 and served as a direct support operator assigned to the 43rd Intelligence Squadron. His family members released a statement expressing their grief and requesting privacy and prayers for Galliher’s wife, two children, and other family members. They described him as an incredible son, brother, husband, father, and friend who dedicated his life to serving his family, his country, and the people he loved.
The cause of the crash, which occurred during a training mission, is currently under investigation. The search and rescue operation includes air, surface, and subsurface area searches of the water and coastline. The aircraft involved in the crash was a CV-22B Osprey, one of six deployed to Yokota Air Base and assigned to the 353rd Special Operations Wing.
The Osprey is a unique tilt-rotor aircraft that combines the capabilities of a helicopter and an airplane. It takes off and lands vertically like a helicopter but can tilt its propellers horizontally to fly like an airplane while in the air. U.S. Osprey operations in Japan are continuing, but the remaining five Ospreys from the squadron involved in the crash are currently grounded.
Lieutenant General Tony Bauernfeind, an Air Force special operations commander, expressed his determination to bring the missing Airmen home and stated that the joint force and Japanese allies are united in their efforts. The search and rescue operation will remain ongoing while the family and loved ones of the Airmen receive support and care.
The tragic incident has deeply affected the community and serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by the brave men and women serving in the military. As the investigation progresses, authorities will work diligently to determine the cause of the crash and prevent similar incidents in the future.
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