Latest Updates On Downed Osprey Recovery Efforts
Latest Updates On Downed Osprey Recovery Efforts
Combined U.S.-Japanese search and rescue in the vicinity of Yakushima, Japan after a US Air Force CV-22B Osprey from Yokota Air Base, Japan was involved in an aircraft mishap.
UPDATE 12, December 10, 2023
Air Force Special Operations Command Public Affairs: During a combined U.S.-Japanese search and rescue in the vicinity of Yakushima, Japan on Dec. 10, 2023, divers from the U.S. Navy recovered the remains of one of two remaining Airmen from the CV-22 mishap that occurred on Nov. 29, 2023.
The identity of the Airman has been determined but the information will not be released until next of kin notifications have been completed. Currently, there is a combined effort in locating and recovering the remains of our eighth Airman.
The main priority is bringing our Airmen home and taking care of their family members. Support to, and the privacy of, the families and loved ones impacted by this incident remains AFSOC’s top priority.
Family members, military and government civilians whose lives have been impacted by recent events are encouraged to contact the Emergency Family Assistance Cell at afsoc.efac.org@us.af.mil or 850-884-4494.
Further information will be released as it becomes available. Please direct your questions to our org box: afsoc.pa.org@us.af.mil.
UPDATE 11, December 7, 2023
The three Airmen who were recovered by dive teams on Dec. 5, 2023, amongst the wreckage from the CV-22 mishap that occurred on November 29, 2023, have been identified and their next of kin have been notified.
The Airmen recovered were Capt. Terrell “Terry” K. Brayman, Staff Sgt. Jake M. Turnage, and Senior Airman Brian “Kody” Johnson.
Search and recovery operations are still ongoing to locate and recover the remains of our two Airmen, Maj. Jeffrey “Jeff” T. Hoernemann and Maj. Eric “Doc” V. Spendlove.
Following personnel recovery operations, the force will turn its efforts toward salvaging the remaining aircraft debris. The main priority continues to be bringing our Airmen home and providing support to, and the privacy of, those families and loved ones.
Family members, military and government civilians whose lives have been impacted by recent events are encouraged to contact the Emergency Family Assistance Cell at afsoc.efac.org@us.af.mil or 850-884-4494.
Further information will be released as it becomes available. Please direct your questions to our org box: afsoc.pa.org@us.af.mil.
UPDATE 10, December 6, 2023
U.S. Air Force Maj. Jeffrey “Jeff” T. Hoernemann, 32, was a native of Andover, Minnesota. Jeff received his commission through the Reserve Officer Training Corps program at North Dakota State University and entered active duty on March 1, 2015.
He served as a CV-22 Instructor Pilot and Chief of Weapons and Tactics assigned to the 21st Special Operations Squadron, 353rd Special Operations Wing, Yokota Air Base, Japan.
Jeff graduated with a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering from North Dakota State University in 2014. He completed Undergraduate Pilot Training at Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi, and went on to be a CV-22 pilot at the 8th Special Operations Squadron at Hurlburt Field, Florida.
His passion for and competence in the aircraft culminated in his application, subsequent acceptance, and eventual graduation from the Air Force Weapons Instructor Course. Prior to his assignment at Yokota Air Base, Jeff was assigned to the 1st Special Operations Wing at Hurlburt Field.
As Chief of Weapons and Tactics and as a CV-22 Instructor Pilot, Jeff was the unit’s subject matter expert on CV-22B employment and shouldered the responsibility for developing new tactics, techniques, and procedures. While assigned to Air Force Special Operations Command, Jeff deployed multiple times in support of Operation FREEDOM SENTINEL.
“Jeff was a beloved husband, brother, and son, as well as an outstanding pilot and instructor,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Tyler Oldham, 21st Special Operations Squadron commander.
“Jeff was a true leader, SOF warrior, and patriot. His character was the benchmark of officership in the United States Air Force. Jeff was the best of us. His selflessness and leadership through example have left enduring marks upon the culture and values of the members of Air Force Special Operations Command.”
During his career, Jeff was recognized with Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with “C” Device, Aerial Achievement Medal, Air and Space Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Air and Space Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Award, Combat Readiness Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Bronze Star and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.
U.S. Air Force Maj. Eric “Doc” V. Spendlove, 36, was a native of St. George, Utah. Eric received his commission through the Health Professions Scholarship Program at the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine and entered active duty on July 1, 2017.
He served as a Special Operations Flight Surgeon and Medical Operations Flight Commander assigned to the 1st Special Operations Squadron, 353rd Special Operations Wing, Kadena Air Base, Japan.Eric graduated with a Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine from the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2016.
He completed the Aerospace Medicine Primary Course in 2017 then, the 3-year Family Medicine Residency Program at Saint Louis University in 2022. As the Medical Operations Flight Commander, Eric directed his medical team in orchestrating a highly successful medical readiness line that improved squadron readiness by 94% and Wing readiness by 25%.
Additionally, he led medical coverage for 120 geographically separated wing personnel during the largest joint combined exercise with the Republic of Korea in 5 years.
“Eric exemplified the definition of a quiet professional with steadfast devotion to his family and profession,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Christopher Pellegrino, 1st Special Operations Squadron commander.
"Eric was an incredible son, husband, brother, and father. He motivated others with enthusiastic energy in moments of exhaustion yet was always a calm voice of reason during times of uncertainty.
His sense of humor could lighten the darkest of times. Eric’s incredible attributes live on through his children and form his honored legacy in remembrance for those who knew him.”
Prior to his assignment at Kadena Air Base, Eric was assigned to the 375th Medical Group, Scott AFB, Illinois, as a Family Medical Resident.
Preceding his residency, he was assigned as a Flight Surgeon at the 348th Air Refueling Squadron, 92d Operations Group, 92d Air Refueling Wing, Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington.
In that assignment, Eric operated as a crewmember aboard the KC-135 and UH-1 aircraft. While assigned to Air Force Special Operations Command, Eric deployed to a number of places throughout the Indo-Pacific including Korea, Philippines, Australia, and Guam in support of special operation activities.
During his career, Eric was recognized with the Air and Space Commendation Medal and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.
U.S. Air Force Maj. Luke A. Unrath, 34, was a native of Riverside, California. Luke received his commission through the Reserve Officer Training Corps program at California Polytechnic State University and entered active duty on Jan. 31, 2014.
He served as a CV-22 Aircraft Commander and Flight Commander assigned to the 21st Special Operations Squadron, 353rd Special Operations Wing, Yokota Air Base, Japan.
Luke graduated with a Bachelor’s in Aerospace Engineering from California Polytechnic State University in 2013. Luke started off in the U.S. Air Force as a Developmental Engineer, and Astronautical Engineer at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California.
In 2019, he cross-trained to become a pilot and completed Undergraduate Pilot Training at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas. Upon earning a helicopter track, Luke completed Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training at Fort Novosel flying the TH-1H where he earned the assignment to fly the Air Force Special Operations CV-22B Osprey.
Upon completion of the CV-22B Initial and Mission Qualification Course at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, he was assigned to the 21st Special Operations Squadron, Yokota Air Base, Japan as an operational mission pilot for the CV-22B in March 2022.
During his time in Japan, he upgraded to Aircraft Commander. Additionally, he served as the Officer in Charge for Squadron Communications and eventually Flight Commander.
While assigned to the 21st Special Operations Squadron, Luke served as a Liaison Officer for Special Operations Command-Pacific where his leadership and visionary efforts were critical to the successful coordination and execution of over 20 operations, activities, and investments throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility.
“Luke was a beloved husband, brother, and son, as well as an incredible leader and devout man of faith who embodied the core values,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Tyler Oldham, 21st Special Operations Squadron commander.
“His intelligence and work ethic served as examples for the squadron. Luke was a natural leader. People gravitated toward him and would follow him due to his cool, calm demeanor and high standards. Luke was a fast learner and loved to fly. His steady hands and quick wit paired well and made for a trusted and well-respected aviator.”
During his career, Luke was recognized with the Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Air and Space Commendation Medal, Air and Space Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Award, National Defense Service Medal, and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.
U.S. Air Force Capt. Terrell “Terry” K. Brayman, 32, was a native of Pittsford, New York. Terry received his commission through the Reserve Officer Training Corps program at Ohio State University and entered active duty on May 23, 2014.
He served as a CV-22 Aircraft Commander with duties at United States Forces Japan as the Deputy Chief of Bilateral Operations assigned to the 21st Special Operations Squadron, 353rd Special Operations Wing, Yokota Air Base, Japan.
Terry graduated with a Bachelor’s in Astronautical Engineering from Ohio State University in 2014. He completed Undergraduate Pilot Training at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas and went on to be a U-28A Draco pilot at the 34th Special Operations Squadron at Hurlburt Field, Florida.
Prior to his assignment at Yokota Air Force Base, Japan, he transitioned to the CV-22, completing the CV-22B Initial and Mission Qualification Course at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico in 2020. While assigned to the 21st Special Operations Squadron, Terry served as the Joint Special Operations Forces Aviation Planner for a Joint Task Force in support of Special Operations Command-Pacific.
“Terry was a beloved brother and son, as well as a multi-talented officer, skilled aviator, mission commander, and proven leader of teams,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Tyler Oldham, 21st Special Operation Squadron commander.
“His calm and poise bore respect from his squadron mates. Terry was a naturally talented pilot and officer. His leadership qualities earned him respect from his peers on the ground and in the air.”
Terry also served as the 353rd Special Operations Wing Mission Commander for a bilateral engagement with the Japan Air Self-Defense Forces, responsible for high-visibility deterrence with a strategic ally in a critical theater.
He deployed in support of two Joint Chiefs of Staff exercises and Operation INHERENT RESOLVE. During his career, Terry was recognized with the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with Combat Device and Four Oak Leaf Clusters, Air and Space Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Combat Readiness Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and NATO Meritorious Service Medal.
U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Zachary E. Lavoy, 33, was a native of Oviedo, Florida. Zach entered active duty Sept. 3, 2013, and served as a Medical Operations Flight Chief assigned to the 1st Special Operations Squadron, 353rd Special Operations Wing at Kadena Air Base, Japan.
Zach distinguished himself with honors throughout multiple training pipelines to include earning Honor Graduate of Basic Military Training and Honor Graduate in the Independent Duty Medical Technician program.
Additionally, he earned Senior Airman below the zone. Dedicated to his craft, Zach earned his Community College of the Air Force degree in Allied Health Sciences in 2022. Additionally, he contributed to multiple unit awards including the 2016 Commander-in-Chief Installation Excellence Award and 2019 Air Force Medical Service Medic Rodeo Team of the Year.
As the Medical Operations Flight Chief, he created emergency response plans for five combatant commands, conducting pre-deployment site surveys and establishing medical evacuation protocols, supporting the health sustainment of 1,000 personnel, generating eight overseas operations.
“Zach was a compassionate medic with a steadfast devotion to supporting the needs of those around him,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Christopher Pellegrino, 1st Special Operations Squadron commander.
“He never stopped smiling and genuinely cared for his teammates. Zach was quick to make friends and sought out new experiences, often accompanied by his dog, truck, and friends. Zach treasured his fiancé, parents, and brother dearly sharing stories with them no matter where he was in the world. His eternal presence will forever be in the hearts of those he loved.”
Prior to his assignment at Kadena Air Base, Zach was assigned to 26th Special Tactics Squadron, 24th Special Operations Wing, Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico.
He deployed to Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar in 2016 in support of Operations INHERENT RESOLVE and FREEDOM’s SENTINEL.During his career, Zach was recognized with the Air Force Commendation Medal with Two Oak Leaf Clusters, Air and Space Achievement Medal, and Meritorious Unit Award with One Oak Leaf Cluster.
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jake M. Turnage, 25, was a native of Kennesaw, Georgia. Jake entered active duty on Feb. 20, 2018, and Served as a Lead Flight Engineer and Noncommissioned Officer in Charge of Training assigned to the 21st Special Operations Squadron, 353rd Special Operations Wing, Yokota Air Base, Japan.Jake earned his Community College of the Air Force degree in Aviation Operations in 2018.
After completing Basic Military Training in 2018, Jake graduated from the Basic Special Mission Aviator Course and was selected to fly on the Air Force Special Operations CV-22B Osprey.
Upon completion of the CV-22B Initial and Mission Qualification Course at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, he was assigned to the 8th Special Operations Squadron, Hurlburt Field, Florida as an operational special mission aviator for the CV-22B.
He also deployed in support of Operation FREEDOM SENTINEL. As a Special Missions Aviator, Jake served as a Lead Flight Engineer and the NCOIC of Training. Special Missions Aviators are responsible for mission management and flight planning, as well as flight engineer, loadmaster, and aerial gunner duties.
He was chosen to support the Air Force Weapons and Instructor School and Marine Corps Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course through numerous flights and attended the CV-22B Advanced Engines Course.
Additionally, as the Training Shop Noncommissioned Officer in Charge, Jake helped to increase CV-22B employment flexibility and combat-ready aviators for the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility across four Higher Headquarters directed missions and two Joint Chiefs of Staff directed exercises.
Furthermore, he managed all Combat Arms, Survival Evasion, Resistance and Escape, and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear training requirements for the squadron.
“Jake was a beloved husband, brother, and son, as well as a fun-loving and dedicated Noncommissioned Officer,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Tyler Oldham, 21st Special Operations Squadron commander.
“Jake’s humor and zeal were contagious. His magnetic personality was always uplifting and lightened the load of his squadron mates. He loved to fly and to learn. His enthusiasm and positive attitude inspired others every day.”
During his career, Jake was recognized with the Air and Space Commendation Medal, Air and Space Achievement Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Meritorious Unit Award, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Bronze Star Device, and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.
U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Brian “Kody” Johnson, 32, was a native of Cincinnati, Ohio. Kody entered active duty on Aug. 27, 2018, and served as a CV-22 Special Missions Aviator and Unit Deployment Manager assigned to the 21st Special Operations Squadron, 353rd Special Operations Wing at Yokota Air Base, Japan.
Kody distinguished himself by earning Honor Graduate at Basic Military Training in 2018. Upon graduating BMT, Kody attended and successfully completed the Basic Special Mission Aviator Course where he would earn an assignment to fly the Air Force Special Operations CV-22B Osprey.
Upon completion of the CV-22B Initial and Mission Qualification Course at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, in 2020, he was assigned to the 20th Special Operations Squadron, Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico as an Operational Special Mission Aviator for the CV-22B.
Following his assignment at Cannon Air Force Base, Kody received orders to the 21st Special Operations Squadron, Yokota Air Base, Japan in December 2022 where he began working as the Unit Deployment Manager. As a CV-22 Special Missions Aviator, Kody was an aircraft systems expert responsible for aircraft power calculations, configuration and loading, weight and balance, and aerial gunnery.
“Kody was a beloved son, brother, and uncle as well as an outstanding Special Mission Aviator,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Tyler Oldham, 21st Special Operation Squadron commander.
“Kody brought energy and focus into the organization. His tireless work ethic ensured that mission-essential tasks were performed correctly, on time, and without complaint. His knowledge, skill, and attention to detail inspired competence and trust amongst his fellow aircrew.”
During his career, Kody was recognized with the Air Medal, Air and Space Commendation Medal, Air and Space Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Award, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.
(Previously released) U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jacob “Jake” M. Galliher, 24, of Pittsfield, Massachusetts. Jake entered active duty Aug. 15, 2017, and served as a Direct Support Operator assigned to the 43rd Intelligence Squadron, Detachment 1, Operating Location – Alpha, 363rd Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Wing based out of Yokota Air Base, Japan. 43 IS Det 1 OL-A is a tenant unit in support of the 353rd Special Operations Wing.
Jake distinguished himself with honors throughout multiple training pipelines to include earning Honor Graduate of Basic Military Training, Distinguished Graduate of the Air Force’s Cryptologic Language Analyst Course, and Honor Graduate of the Defense Language Institute’s Chinese Language Course.
A consummate intelligence professional and dedicated academic, Jake earned his Community College of the Air Force degree in Intelligence studies, all while actively pursuing his Bachelor’s degree in East Asian Studies and maintaining proficiency in Chinese-Mandarin.
As a DSO, Jake was an airborne linguist specializing in Chinese-Mandarin. DSOs fly as AFSOC aircrew members during training, exercises, and real-world contingencies. Jake was a qualified DSO on the AC-130J, MC-130H, and CV-22B.
“Jacob was a beloved husband, father, son, and brother as well as a model Airman who will be forever remembered for his dedication to this great nation and his fellow warriors,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Gilbert Summers, 43d Intelligence Squadron, Detachment 1 Commander.
“With a ready smile, Jake brought the unit together on and off-duty through humor and an inexhaustible supply of energy, whether it was on the aircraft, in the gym, or on the slopes with the team. Everywhere he went, and everyone he met, was made better for him being there.
He has left an indelible mark as a devoted family man, steadfast wingman, and an irreplaceable Airman in both duty and compassion. Jacob’s tremendous legacy will live on through his beautiful family and through all of us who had the honor of knowing him.”
Prior to his assignment at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Jake was assigned to the 25th Intelligence Squadron out of Hurlburt Field, Fla.During his career, Jake was recognized with the Air Medal, Air and Space Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, and Air Force Meritorious Unit Award.
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