5 Marines died in a MV-22B Osprey incident at a remote training area in Southern California on Wednesday.
U.S. Coast Guard officials suspended a search for two men who were on a tilt-rotor aircraft when it went down near Glamis, California, today about 115 miles east of San Diego and 50 miles from Yuma, Arizona.
The Marine Corps has identified the Marines involved in yesterday’s incident. The Marines assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor (VMM) Squadron 364 and Marine Aircraft Group 39 were all present during the tragic event.
Camp Pendleton is in California, where the Marine Corps said on Friday.
Cpl. Nathan E. Carlson, 21, of Winnebago, Illinois, was a tilt-rotor crew chief.
He received the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. He served in the United States Marine Corps for a period of three years.
Cpl. Seth D. Rasmuson, 21, of Johnson, Wyoming, was a tilt-rotor crew chief.
His awards include the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. He served three years and two months with the US Marines.
Capt. John J. Sax, 33, of Placer, California, was an MV-22B pilot.
He received awards from the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and a Letter of Appreciation. He served in the United States Marines for five years and eight months.
Lance Cpl. Evan A. Strickland, 19, of Valencia, New Mexico, a tilt-rotor crew chief.
He has received military awards including the National Defense Service Medal and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. He served for one year and seven months in the United States Marine Corps.
“Lt. Col. John C. Miller, commanding officer of VMM-364 issued a statement on Friday about the death of five Marines from his unit,” said Lt. Col. Miller in his statement. “This is an extremely difficult time for VMM-364 and it is hard to express the impact that this loss has had on our squadron and its families.”
“We are grateful for the strong support from our extended family. More information will be forthcoming how to help.”
During the mishap, MV-22B Osprey and crew were conducting routine training.
The accident is currently under investigation.
