US military identifies all 8 crew members of deadly Air Force Osprey crash near Japan

Military officials have identified the service members who were on board the U. S. Air Force CV-22 Osprey that crashed last week off the shore of Yakushima Island, Japan.

An Air Force spokesperson said after days of "intensive, 24/7 search and rescue operations" for the eight Airmen involved in the crash on Nov. 29, that the U. S. military transitioned "search and rescue operations" to "search and recovery operations." This transition happens when the determination is made that finding survivors is unlikely.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the families, friends and peers of all who are impacted by this mishap and loss of life," said Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind, Air Force Special Operations Command commander. "In times like these, where service to our nation is not just a personal commitment but also a legacy woven into the fabric of our families, the depth of sorrow is immeasurable. 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."

One body, ultimately identified as Staff Sgt. Jake Galliher, of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, was recovered on Nov. 29, 2023, but the identities and statuses of the seven remaining Airmen were not known. On Tuesday, the Air Force officially changed their status from duty status-whereabouts unknown to deceased status. Their families were notified.

The deceased were then identified as:

* U.S. Air Force Maj. Jeffrey T. Hoernemann, 32, of Andover, Minnesota — a CV-22 instructor pilot and officer in charge of training, assigned to the 21st Special Operations Squadron, 353rd Special Operations Wing, Yokota Air Base, Japan.

* U.S. Air Force Maj. Eric V. Spendlove, 36, of St. George, Utah — a residency trained flight surgeon and medical operations flight commander assigned to the 1st Special Operations Squadron, 353rd Special Operations Wing, Kadena Air Base, Japan.

* U.S. Air Force Maj. Luke A. Unrath, 34, of Riverside, California — a CV-22 pilot and flight commander assigned to the 21st Special Operations Squadron, 353rd Special Operations Wing, Yokota Air Base, Japan.

* U.S. Air Force Capt. Terrell K. Brayman, 32, of Pittsford, New York — a CV-22 pilot and flight commander assigned to the 21st Special Operations Squadron, 353rd Special Operations Wing, Yokota Air Base, Japan.

* U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Zachary E. Lavoy, 33, of Oviedo, Florida — a medical operations flight chief assigned to the 1st Special Operations Squadron, 353rd Special Operations Wing, Kadena Air Base, Japan.... (Read more)

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