First-ever fatality in Japan involving a crashed Osprey: Staff Sgt. Jacob Galliher identified as victim

Accident – Death – Obituary News : A section of the wreckage from a crashed Osprey military aircraft has been handed over to the U.S. military, as the search for seven missing crew members continues in the waters near Yakushima, a southwestern Japanese town. Local fishermen collected the debris after the tilt-rotor aircraft went down on Wednesday during a training exercise near the island town.

The U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command has identified Staff Sgt. Jacob Galliher, a 24-year-old direct support operator assigned to the 43rd Intelligence Squadron, as the only recovered body from the aircraft. The search and rescue operation, conducted in collaboration with Japan’s defense forces, coast guard, and civilian volunteers, remains ongoing and remains a top priority. The U.S. aircraft carrier Carl Vinson, along with its air wing, unmanned vehicles, and divers, has been involved in the operation.

Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind, Air Force Special Operations commander, stated that while the search and rescue operation continues, the focus is on supporting the impacted family and loved ones. The cause of the accident is currently under investigation. It is worth noting that Ospreys have a history of mishaps, including fatal crashes.

The crash of the U.S. Air Force CV-22 marks the first-ever fatality in Japan involving an Osprey, reigniting concerns over the safety of the aircraft. In response, Japan has temporarily grounded its own Osprey fleet and has requested the United States, its security ally, to refrain from conducting Osprey flights except for search and rescue operations. However, U.S. military operations involving Osprey variants other than the one involved in the crash have not been completely suspended.

The incident has prompted discussions about the safety record of Osprey aircraft and their continued use in Japan. The U.S. forces have dispatched two Ospreys following the crash, despite calls for a suspension of operations. This decision has raised questions about the prioritization of safety in Japan.

In conclusion, the search for the missing crew members of the crashed Osprey military aircraft continues in the waters near Yakushima, as the U.S. military and Japanese authorities collaborate on the ongoing search and rescue operation. The cause of the accident is being investigated, and concerns over the safety of Osprey aircraft have been rekindled. Japan has temporarily grounded its Osprey fleet and requested the United States to limit Osprey flights. The incident has sparked discussions about the safety record of Ospreys and their continued operations in Japan..