Death – Obituary – Accident and Crime News : A piece of debris from a crashed Osprey military aircraft was handed over to the U.S. military on Sunday, according to officials from Yakushima, a southwestern Japanese town. The search for the seven missing crew members in the nearby waters is still ongoing.
Local fishermen were responsible for collecting the wreckage after the tilt-rotor aircraft went down during a training exercise near the island town on Wednesday. So far, only one body has been recovered from the crash. Staff Sgt Jacob Galliher, a 24-year-old direct support operator assigned to the 43rd Intelligence Squadron, was identified as the individual found.
The U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command stated that the search and rescue operation, carried out in collaboration with Japan’s defense forces, coast guard, and civilian volunteers, remains a top priority. Various assets, including the U.S. aircraft carrier Carl Vinson, its air wing, unmanned vehicles, and divers, have been deployed to assist in the operation.
Lt Gen Tony Bauernfeind, Air Force Special Operations commander, emphasized that their primary focus is on the ongoing search and rescue operation while also providing support to the affected families. The cause of the accident is currently under investigation, as Osprey aircraft have a history of mishaps, some of which have been fatal.
The crash of the U.S. Air Force CV-22 marked the first-ever fatality in Japan involving an Osprey, reigniting concerns about the safety of these aircraft. As a precautionary measure, Japan has temporarily grounded its own Osprey fleet. Additionally, the Japanese government has requested that the United States restrict Osprey flights to solely search and rescue operations.
However, it is important to note that U.S. military operations involving Osprey variants other than the one involved in the crash have not been completely suspended.
As the investigation into the incident continues, both the U.S. and Japanese authorities are focused on ensuring the safety of military personnel and addressing any concerns that may arise regarding the use of Osprey aircraft.