Airman From Andover, MN Killed In Osprey Crash Near Japan

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A Minnesotan man has been identified among the eight U.S. Airmen killed after an Air Force CV-22B Osprey crashed off the shore of Yakushima Island in Japan last week.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Jeffrey T. Hoernemann, 32, of Andover was a CV-22 instructor pilot and officer in charge of training. He was assigned to the 21st Special Operations Squadron, 353rd Special Operations Wing, at the Yokota Air Base in Japan.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families, friends and peers of all who are impacted by this mishap and loss of life,” said Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind, Air Force Special Operations Command commander.

"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."

On Nov. 29, an Air Force CV-22B Osprey crashed while performing a routine training mission off the shore of Yakushima Island, Japan with eight Airmen on board, officials said. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.

On Tuesday, after days of intensive 24/7 search and rescue operations, the U.S. military transitioned to search and recovery operations.

"The transition from a rescue operation to a recovery operation occurs when the determination is made that survivors are unlikely," the Air Force said.

"The recovery operation will now focus on locating and recovering all remains and aircraft debris. Of the eight Airmen, the remains of three Airmen have been recovered, the remains of another three Airmen have been located and are in the process of being recovered, and the remains of two Airmen are still being located."

The names of the seven other deceased Airmen are identified below:

U.S. Air Force Maj. Eric V. Spendlove, 36, of St. George, Utah, was a residency trained flight surgeon and medical operations flight commander assigned to the 1st Special Operations Squadron, 353rd Special Operations Wing, Kadena Air Base, Japan.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Luke A. Unrath, 34, of Riverside, California, was a CV-22 pilot and flight commander assigned to the 21st Special Operations Squadron, 353rd Special Operations Wing, Yokota Air Base, Japan.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Terrell K. Brayman, 32, of Pittsford, New York, was a CV-22 pilot and flight commander assigned to the 21st Special Operations Squadron, 353rd Special Operations Wing, Yokota Air Base, Japan.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Zachary E. Lavoy, 33, of Oviedo, Florida, was a medical operations flight chief assigned to the 1st Special Operations Squadron, 353rd Special Operations Wing, Kadena Air Base, Japan.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jake M. Turnage, 25, of Kennesaw, Georgia, was a flight engineer assigned to the 21st Special Operations Squadron, 353rd Special Operations Wing, Yokota Air Base, Japan.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Brian K. Johnson, 32, of Reynoldsburg, Ohio, was a flight engineer assigned to the 21st Special Operations Squadron, 353rd Special Operations Wing, Yokota Air Base, Japan.

"On behalf of all of the joint U.S. teammates actively involved in the search, we want to extend our sincere gratitude to the Government of Japan’s Self Defense Force, Coast Guard, law enforcement, mariners, and local Yakushima civilian volunteers for their tireless assistance in the search and rescue operations for our Airmen. Their selfless dedication in our time of need demonstrates the ironclad bond between our nations," said Rear Adm. Jeromy Williams, Special Operations Command - Pacific commander.

"We are resolved to locating our aircrew and bringing them home to their families."

All five U.S. military branches and Japanese authorities supported the search and rescue operations and will continue to support recovery operations, the Air Force said.