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 last week off the coast of Japan have transitioned to a recovery operation due to the unlikelihood of survivors.
The crash occurred during a routine training mission near Yakushima Island with eight crew members on board; the remains of six have been located and all eight airmen have been identified.
U.S. defense officials expressed deep sadness over the loss and gratitude for the extensive assistance provided by Japan's Coast Guard, Self-Defense Forces, and local communities in the recovery 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.