Death – Obituary – Accident and Crime News : The identities of the eight crew members who tragically lost their lives in the recent US Air Force Osprey aircraft crash off southwestern Japan have been revealed. The search team has recovered three members and located the remains of three others, while still searching for the two missing bodies, authorities announced on Tuesday.
The crew members who perished in the crash have been identified as follows: Maj. Jeffrey T. Hoernemann, Maj. Eric V. Spendlove, Maj. Luke A. Unrath, Capt. Terrell K. Brayman, Tech. Sgt. Zachary E. Lavoy, Staff Sgt. Jake M. Turnage, Senior Airman Brian K. Johnson, and Staff Sgt. Jacob ‘Jake’ M. Galliher.
Among the eight crew members, Galliher’s remains were the first to be found. He leaves behind his wife Ivy and two young sons. Galliher’s family described him as an incredible son, brother, husband, father, and friend who touched the lives of countless people.
President Joe Biden expressed his deep sorrow over the loss and stated that he and First Lady Jill Biden are praying for the families and friends affected by the tragedy.
The Osprey aircraft, a hybrid that combines helicopter and airplane capabilities, crashed during a training mission. The deployment of Ospreys in Japan has been a subject of controversy, with critics raising concerns about their safety. The US military and Japan, however, maintain that the aircraft is safe.
This is the second Osprey crash in three months, with three Marines losing their lives in a crash in northern Australia. The cause of that crash has not been disclosed.
The Japanese navy, alongside the US military, has been involved in a search and rescue operation, deploying several ships and helicopters. Parts of the wreckage, including the front section of the Osprey, have been recovered.
In light of the recent crashes and concerns about safety, Japan has suspended the flights of its own fleet of Ospreys. The Osprey aircraft is used by the US Marines, US Navy, and Japan Self Defense Forces.
The tragic loss of these eight crew members serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by servicemen and women in their dedication to their country. Their honorable service will never be forgotten.