LEST WE FORGET: Matthew Tomkiewicz, Ross Reynolds, James Speedy and Jacob Moore named Osprey crash victims
Four US marines have died after their military aircraft crashed in Norway during a NATO training exercise. The tragedy reportedly happened on Friday, March 18, while the deceased soldiers – identified as Captain Matthew J Tomkiewicz, Captain Ross A Reynolds, Gunnery Sergeant James W Speedy and Corporal Jacob M Moore – were flying their MV-22B Osprey aircraft.
All of them were participating in the biannual Nato exercise, called Cold Response, and had been assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261. It has been said that the marines’ bodies were recovered in a joint operation by the Norwegian civil authorities and the Marine Corps. Though the official cause of the accident has not been released yet, some reports claimed that it happened because of the stormy weather.
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The Joint Rescue Coordination Centres (JRCC) said MV-22B Osprey aircraft went missing around 6.30 pm local time on Friday. However, the wreckage of it was found nearly two hours later by a rescue helicopter and a Norwegian military Orion plane. Following the discovery, Nordland police chief of staff Bent Eilertsen said, “We've discovered an aircraft that has crashed. We've seen no sign of life. We've been told it's an American aircraft with four Americans on board.”
A press release from the II Marine Expeditionary Force stated that Major General Michael Cederholm, of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing, wrote a letter to the soldiers’ families that read: “The pilots and crew were committed to accomplishing their mission and serving a cause greater than themselves. We will continue to execute the mission while keeping these Marines and their service on the forefront of our minds. We will never allow these Marines' sacrifice to go unnoticed or unappreciated. Keep these Marines and their loved ones in your thoughts and prayers.”
Tomkiewic, an MV-22B Osprey pilot, was reportedly from Fort Wayne, Indiana, and had joined the Marine Corps in 2015. The Daily Mail noted that the 27-year-old’s “decorations include the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.” Reynolds joined the Marine Corps in 2017. The fallen MV-22B Osprey pilot’s decorations “include the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon and multiple certificates and letters of appreciation.”
Speedy was with the Marine Corps since 2009 and had served as an administrative specialist. His “decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with two gold stars, the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, the Marine Corps Drill Instructor Ribbon, and multiple certificates and letters of appreciation.”
Moore served as an MV-22B Osprey crew chief after joining the Marine Corps in 2018. “His decorations include the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal,” the Daily Mail report added.
Military forces in Italy, The Netherlands, and the UK expressed their sorrow over the fatal crash. A press release from the II Marine Expeditionary Force said, “We are grateful for their efforts and professional commitment to long and enduring relationships.” Reynolds' family also released a statement in which they mentioned: “We are broken-hearted, left trying to imagine our lives without Ross. We are in shock and are devastated by his loss. We will miss his smile, his hugs, his laughter. We will miss his energy and goodness.”
The statement added: “We appreciate all those who have reached out to support us at this difficult time. We pray for Ross and the other Marines lost in this tragic accident. Our hearts go out to their families and their loved ones. We share their grief and will keep them in our thoughts and prayers. As well as the rest of his squadron, that now has to fill a large void in their lives.”
Leominster Mayor Dean Mazzarella in a statement noted, “My condolences and the condolences of all our residents to the families of these great Americans. Ross was and his family were active as a scout and later as an Eagle Scout. Ross was always the 'kid carrying the flag.’ We are a tight and loyal community and stand ready to support his parents, sister and his wife Lana during this difficult time. God bless these brave Marines and all who have served and serve for keeping us a free America.”