Flight Engineer Jake Turnage Among Eight Men Killed in Aircraft Mishap off Coast of Japan

Accident – death – Obituary News : 25-year-old Jake Turnage, a flight engineer assigned to the 21st Special Operations Squadron, 353rd Special Operations Wing, Yokota Air Base, Japan, has been identified as one of the men who tragically lost their lives in an aircraft mishap off the coast of Japan on Wednesday. The news has left his family in Kennesaw, Georgia devastated.

The family of Jake Turnage received the heartbreaking news that their beloved son and brother was among the eight men who died in the tragic incident. Jim Turnage, a loved one, expressed his grief in a Facebook post, stating, “We grieve but not as those with no hope. Jake is with Jesus.”

While the Air Force has been able to locate or recover the remains of several airmen, the search for the remains of two more individuals is still ongoing. The Turnage family expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of support they have received during this difficult time. Jim Turnage acknowledged the messages and texts they have received, stating, “Thank you all for praying for us. We haven’t responded to every message and text, but know that you are an encouragement to us, and we feel deeply loved. For now, we appreciate your prayers for us and other families that are going through this, too.”

The tragic crash occurred on Wednesday when a CV-22 Osprey aircraft crashed off the shore of Yakushima Island, Japan. As a result of the incident, Japan suspended all flights involving its Ospreys and requested the U.S. military to ground its Ospreys operating in the region. However, the Pentagon has stated that they will not stand down.

According to a report from 13NewsNow, the CV-22 Osprey aircraft has a history of fatal mishaps dating back to 2007. The report cited the Project on Government Oversight’s findings, which documented over a dozen V-22 crashes resulting in over 50 casualties.

In response to the tragic incident, Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind, Air Force Special Operations Command commander, expressed his condolences and emphasized the significance of the fallen airmen’s service. He said, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families, friends, and peers of all who are impacted by this mishap and loss of life. In times like these, where service to our nation is not just a personal commitment but also a legacy woven into the fabric of our families, the depth of sorrow is immeasurable. The honorable service of these eight Airmen to this great Nation will never be forgotten, as they are now among the giants who shape our history.”

The loss of Jake Turnage and the other brave airmen serves as a stark reminder of the risks and sacrifices made by those in the military. The community mourns their loss and stands in solidarity with their grieving families during this difficult time..