The U.S. Marine Corps has identified the five Camp Pendleton-based members who died when their MV-22B Osprey crashed June 8. The Marines who died are:
- Cpl. Nathan E. Carlson, 21, of Winnebago, Illinois, a Tiltrotor Crew Chief.
- Capt. Nicholas P. Losapio, 31, of Rockingham, New Hampshire, an MV-22B Pilot.
- Cpl. Seth D. Rasmuson, 21, of Johnson, Wyoming, a Tiltrotor Crew Chief.
- Capt. John J. Sax, 33, of Placer, California, an MV-22B Pilot.
- Lance Cpl. Evan A. Strickland, 19, of Valencia, New Mexico, a Tiltrotor Crew Chief.
“It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the loss of five Marines from the Purple Fox family” said their Commanding Officer Lt. Col. John C. Miller. “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.”
The Osprey and crew were conducting routine flight training at a remote California location when their helicopter encountered trouble. Their tilt-rotor aircraft, which lands vertically like a helicopter but flies more like an airplane, crashed near Glamis, California, about 115 miles east of San Diego.
Cpl. Carslon had served in the Marines for three years. He received the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and a Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, according to the Marine Corps.
Capt. Losapio had eight years and nine months in the Marines before the crash. He had been awarded the Air Medal with Strike/Flight numeral 2, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and a Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.
Cpl. Rasmuson had two years and three months of service in the Corps. His personal awards included the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and a Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.
Capt. Sax had been a Marine for five years and eight months and had been awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and a Letter of Appreciation, according to the Corps.
Lance Cpl. Strickland had been a Marine for one year and seven months. His personal awards included the National Defense Service Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.
Scroll down to leave a comment and share your thoughts.
