The Marines have identified the five service members who were killed during an aircraft crash in California on Wednesday.
Cpl. Nathan Carlson, 21; Capt. Nicholas Losapio, 31; Cpl. Seth Rasmuson, 21; Lance Cpl. Evan Strickland, 19; and Capt. John Sax, 33, all of whom were assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 364, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, were killed when an MV-22B Osprey went down during a training mission near Glamis, California.
“It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the loss of five Marines from the Purple Fox family,” Lt. Col. John Miller, the commanding officer of VMM-364, said in a statement. “This is an extremely difficult time for VMM-364, and it is hard to express the impact that this loss has had on our squadron and its families.”
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“Our primary mission now is taking care of the family members of our fallen Marines, and we respectfully request privacy for their families as they navigate this difficult time,” he said. “We appreciate all the prayers and support from the strong extended Purple Fox family and want them to know that more information will be forthcoming on how to help.”
Carlson had only been in the Marines for three years. The Illinois-born Tiltrotor Crew Chief had received a National Defense Service Medal, a Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, a Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon during his short time in the service.
Losapio, who was from New Hampshire, had been in the Marines for nearly nine years, where he, too, served as an MV-22B pilot. His personal achievements include the Air Medal with Strike/Flight numeral 2, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, the Navy Unit Commendation, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.
Rasmuson, who joined the force only months before Carlson, was born in Wyoming, and he, too, was a Tiltrotor Crew Chief. His personal awards include the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.
Strickland, who had been in the Marines for less than two years, served as a Tiltrotor Crew Chief as well. The New Mexico native was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.
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Sax, who was from California, served as an MV-22B pilot, and he had been in the Marines for more than five years. His personal accolades include receiving the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and a Letter of Appreciation.
An investigation into the crash is underway, the Marines announced days ago.
