Marines Killed Off Australia Coast Identified

Authorities have identified the three Marines killed off the coast of Australia in a "mishap" involving an MV-22 Osprey last week.

The search for the three Marines was suspended over the weekend. Officials identified them as 1st Lt. Benjamin R. Cross, 26, of Oxford, Maine, Cpl. Nathaniel F. Ordway, 21, of Sedgwick, Kansas and Pfc. Ruben P. Velasco, 19, of Los Angeles, California.

“The loss of every Marine is felt across our entire Marine Corps family. To the families of the brave Marines we lost – there is no way for us to understand what you are going through,” Col. Tye R. Wallace, commanding officer, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, said in a statement. “What we do know is that your Marines left a lasting impression on the 31st MEU, the Marine Corps, and the world. They will live on forever in our thoughts and our hearts. You will always be a part of the Marine Corps family, and you will remain in our prayers.”

Twenty-three of the 26 personnel aboard the Osprey were rescued, while an extensive search and rescue operation was underway for the three remaining service members. The aircraft was conducting regularly scheduled operations at the time of the mishap.

An investigation is underway.

Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images News/Getty Images