via Marines.mil
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. —
Two 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Marines died and
two were severely injured when an MV-22 Osprey crashed in a Royal
Moroccan military training area southwest of Agadir, Morocco, while
participating in bilateral Exercise African Lion, April 11.
Cpl. Robby A. Reyes and Cpl. Derek A. Kerns,
both MV-22 crew chiefs with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261, Marine
Aircraft Group 26, died as a result of injuries sustained in the crash.
All four Marines involved were part of
VMM-261, based at MCAS New River, N.C., and were the only personnel on
the aircraft at the time of the crash. VMM-261 is currently attached to
the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit and was operating from the amphibious
assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) at the time of the incident.
"Being a Marine is inherently dangerous but
this is a shock to all of us," said Col. Frank Donovan, 24th MEU
commanding officer. "Our primary focus right now is making sure our
Marines and their families are taken care of. We send our prayers and
sincere condolences to the families of these Marines and mourn with them
through this tragic event."
Reyes joined the Marine Corps from Los
Angeles, Calif., in December 2007 and was promoted to the rank of
corporal in October 2010. His awards include the Global War on Terrorism
Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Navy Meritorious Unit
Commendation and a certificate of appreciation.
Kerns joined the Marine Corps from Fort Dix,
N.J., in September 2008 and was promoted to the rank of corporal in
December 2010. His awards include the Global War on Terrorism Medal,
National Defense Service Medal, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal and a
certificate of appreciation.
Neither of the Marines had previously deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Iraqi Freedom.
The two injured Marines have been medically
evacuated for further treatment. For their privacy and the privacy of
their families, their names will not be released.
The cause of the crash is currently under investigation.
I've always believed the Colonel's words.
Being a Marine is inherently dangerous.
But I've noticed a disturbing trend in recent helo crashes. Being a crew chief on these planes is probably the most risk filled position.
Every crewmember (I believe) has crash worthy seats.
But the Crew Chief's job often has them up and moving around the aircraft. Is it time to perhaps change some procedures for these guys?
I DON'T KNOW. I'm just asking and I'm operating from what I've observed and little actual data. Regardless. The Colonel is correct on his other points too. The focus to make sure his Marines and their families are good to go has to be his primary concern.
God Bless and God Speed.