5 Marines killed in California Osprey crash identified

5 Marines had been killed in an MV-22B Osprey mishap Wednesday at a distant coaching space in Southern California.

The lean-rotor plane, which lands vertically like a helicopter however flies extra equally to an airplane, went down close to Glamis, California, about 115 miles east of San Diego and 50 miles from Yuma, Arizona.

Now, 24 hours after next-of-kin notification, the Marine Corps has recognized the Marines ― all assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor (VMM) Squadron 364, Marine Plane Group 39, third Marine Plane Wing.

They had been primarily based in Camp Pendleton, California, the Marine Corps mentioned in a Friday assertion.

Cpl. Nathan E. Carlson, 21, of Winnebago, Illinois, was a tilt-rotor crew chief.

His private awards embrace the Nationwide Protection Service Medal, International Conflict on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, International Conflict on Terrorism Service Medal and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, based on the Marine Corps.

He served as a United States Marine for 3 years.

Capt. Nicholas P. Losapio, 31, of Rockingham, New Hampshire, was an MV-22B pilot.

His private awards embrace the Air Medal with Strike/Flight numeral 2, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Nationwide Protection Service Medal, International Conflict on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Inherent Resolve Marketing campaign Medal, International Conflict on Terrorism Service Medal and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.

He served as a United States Marine for eight years and 9 months.

Cpl. Seth D. Rasmuson, 21, of Johnson, Wyoming, was a tilt-rotor crew chief.

His private awards embrace the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Nationwide Protection Service Medal, International Conflict on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, International Conflict on Terrorism Service Medal and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.

He served as a United States Marine for 3 years and two months.

Capt. John J. Sax, 33, of Placer, California, was an MV-22B pilot.

His private awards embrace the Nationwide Protection Service Medal, International Conflict on Terrorism Service Medal and a Letter of Appreciation.

He served as a United States Marine for 5 years and eight months, based on the Corps.

Lance Cpl. Evan A. Strickland, 19, of Valencia, New Mexico, a tilt-rotor crew chief.

His private awards embrace the Nationwide Protection Service Medal and International Conflict on Terrorism Service Medal.

He served as a United States Marine for one 12 months and 7 months.

“It’s with heavy hearts that we mourn the lack of 5 Marines from the Purple Fox household,” Lt. Col. John C. Miller, commanding officer of VMM-364 mentioned in a Friday assertion. “That is a particularly tough time for VMM-364 and it’s arduous to precise the affect that this loss has had on our squadron and its households.

“We respect all of the prayers and help from the robust prolonged Purple Fox household and wish them to know that extra info will probably be forthcoming on how one can assist.”

On the time of the mishap, the MV-22B Osprey and crew had been conducting routine flight coaching, the Marine Corps mentioned.

The mishap is at present below investigation.

In March, 4 Marines had been killed in Norway when an Osprey crashed within the Arctic Circle whereas collaborating in NATO train Chilly Response.

Andrea Scott is editor of Marine Corps Instances. On Twitter: @_andreascott.