Air Force IDs crew killed final month when Osprey tilt-rotor plane crashed off Japanese coast

By Carolina Stanton On Dec 5, 2023

The Air Force on Tuesday recognized eight crewmembers killed final month when their CV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor plane crashed off the coast of Japan throughout what the army known as a routine coaching mission.

The operation close to Japan’s Yakushima Island has transitioned from “search and rescue” to “search and recover” after authorities decided it was unlikely anybody survived the crash, officers mentioned.

“The recovery operation will now focus on locating and recovering all remains and aircraft debris,” Air Force officers mentioned.

The personnel aboard the Osprey have been assigned to the 353rd Special Operations Wing in Yokota, Japan.

The stays of Staff Sgt. Jake Galliher, 24, was recovered on Nov. 29, the day of the crash. The different Air Force crew members have been recognized as Maj. Jeffrey T. Hoernemann, 32, and Maj. Luke A. Unrath, 34, each pilots; Maj. Eric V. Spendlove, 36, an Air Force flight surgeon; Capt. Terrell Okay. Brayman, 32, one other pilot aboard the Osprey; Tech Sgt. Zachary E. Lavoy, 33, a medical operations flight chief; and Staff Sgt. Jake M. Turnage, 25, and Senior Airman Brian Okay. Johnson, 32, each flight engineers.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families, friends and peers of all who are impacted by this mishap and loss of life,” mentioned Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind, commander of Air Force Special Operations Command. “The honorable service of these eight airmen to this great nation will never be forgotten, as they are now among the giants who shape our history.”

The Japanese Self-Defense Force, the Japanese coast guard and legislation enforcement — together with residents within the space — took half within the intense search and rescue effort.

“Their selfless dedication in our time of need demonstrates the ironclad bond between our nations,” mentioned Rear Adm. Jeromy Williams, commander of Special Operations Command Pacific. “We are resolved to locate our aircrew and bring them home to their families.”