CAMP COURTNEY, OKINAWA, Japan --
CAMP COURTNEY,
OKINAWA, Japan –
The remains of Capt. Benjamin R. Cross, Cpl.
Nathaniel F. Ordway and Lance Cpl. Ruben P. Velasco, who died in an MV-22B
Osprey mishap off the coast of Australia, August 5, have been recovered.
Ordway and Velasco have been transferred
to Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, before returning home. Capt. Cross’ remains,
which were recently recovered, will be moved to Hickam Air Force Base as
expediently as possible. From Hickam,
fallen service members are prepared for transport to their final destination as
determined by the families. A solemn,
dignified transfer of remains continues to be the priority as our fallen
Marines are returned to their families.
We
are extremely grateful for the assistance of the Royal Australian Navy’s HMAS
MELVILLE and Clearance Diver Team One which initially responded for recovery
efforts, followed by the USNS SALVOR (T-ARS-52) and Mobile Diving and Salvage
Unit (MDSU) ONE which is continuing salvage operations.
We
ask that you keep the families and friends of these Marines in your thoughts
and prayers, and respect their privacy during this difficult time.
Please
direct all media queries to III MEF Public Affairs office at
IIIMEFPAO@usmc.mil.
NOTE:
Capt. Cross and Lance Cpl. Velasco were posthumously promoted to their current
rank.