US military aircraft wreckage found, five crew members confirmed deceased

After a US military aircraft, the Osprey CV-22B crashed near Japan's Yakushima island, the Air Force confirmed the discovery of the aircraft's wreckage, along with the remains of the five crew members on Monday.

A U.S.-Japanese search team, conducting investigations into the crash that occurred on November 29, uncovered the fuselage and human remains in the sea. Initially, divers recovered two bodies, and efforts persisted to retrieve the remaining crew. Identification of the recovered individuals has yet to take place.

"The coalition of military, coast guard, law enforcement, mariners, and local volunteers remain steadfast in locating and bringing the US Service Members back to their units and their families," stated the Air Force Special Operations Command.


This unfortunate event resulted in the loss of Staff Sgt. Jacob “Jake” Galliher, a 24-year-old father of two, identified by authorities in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, among the casualties.

The CV-22B Osprey, known for its unique hybrid design allowing vertical takeoff and rotor tilt upon flight, was engaged in a training exercise during the crash off Yakushima, part of Japan's Kagoshima region on the southern Kyushu island. This incident adds to a series of fatal occurrences involving U.S. military Osprey aircraft and raises concerns over their continued deployment.

Japan's apprehension regarding the aircraft's safety led to the grounding of its own Osprey fleet, following which the Pentagon ceased their operations from the Yokota Air Base. However, U.S. Ospreys remain operational in other regions despite this precautionary measure. The primary focus now revolves around repatriating the crew and providing utmost support to the affected families, emphasizing the priority of their well-being during this distressing time.