DOD Identifies 8 Killed in CV-22 Crash Off Coast of Japan

Air Force Special Operations Command said no survivors were likely and that efforts are now focused on recovering remains and aircraft debris.

Kimberly Johnson

Tuesday, December 05, 2023 at 04:52 PM ET

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Four CV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft assigned to the 353rd Special Operations Group Detachment 1 fly above Tokyo, Japan. [Courtesy: U.S. Air Force]

Key Takeaways:

Search and rescue efforts for an Air Force CV-22 Osprey that crashed off the coast of Japan last week have transitioned to recovery efforts for crew remains and aircraft debris.
The crash, which occurred during a routine training mission near Yakushima Island, involved eight crew members; the remains of six have been located.
Defense officials have identified all eight deceased airmen, and a rigorous investigation into the incident will be conducted.
U.S. officials expressed deep gratitude for the extensive assistance provided by Japanese military, coast guard, and civilian teams in the search efforts.

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Search and rescue efforts underway off the coast of Japan following the crash of an Air Force CV-22 Osprey last week are now focusing on recovery of crewmember remains and aircraft debris, according to defense officials.

“The transition from a rescue operation to a recovery operation occurs when the determination is made that survivors are unlikely,” Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) said Tuesday.