USMC Osprey accident in Norway
The crew of four died in an Osprey accident in Nordland County, Norway on Friday 18 March 2022. They were flown home to the USA on 25 March 2022.
Saturday 26 March 2022
Press release from the U.S. Marine Corps: During the early hours of 25 March 2022, the Marines of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 261 held a ramp ceremony in Bodø, Norway, as part of a dignified transfer back to the United States for their fallen service members.
Hundreds of U.S. Marines and Sailors, accompanied by service members and civilians from numerous NATO nations, rendered final salutes to the fallen Marines as they were placed aboard an Air National Guard C-130 military transport aircraft. The Marines were escorted to the United States by members of their squadron until they arrived at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, later on March 25, 2022.
The remains of Capt. Matthew J. Tomkiewicz, Capt. Ross A. Reynolds, Gunnery Sgt. James W. Speedy and Cpl. Jacob M. Moore, four Marines who passed away in an MV-22 Osprey mishap on March 18, 2022, will ultimately be moved to their final resting places in accordance with their families’ wishes.
We are eternally grateful for all the support from the Kingdom of Norway, the Norwegian Armed Forces, the people of Bodø, the Nordland Police, and first responders who assisted in search and rescue, recovery, and repatriation efforts.
Sunday 20 March 2022
19:00: The four crew members have been retrieved from the accident site by a Sea King rescue helicopter from Norwegian 330 Squadron. The deceased will remain in Bodø until being transported back to the USA. The Norwegian Armed Forces continue to assist civilian authorities with the resources we have, and at the request of the police. The work continues under the leadership of the police and the Accident Investigation Board Norway (AIBN).
Background
The American V-22B Osprey aircraft belongs to the U.S. Marine Corps and was taking part in the Norwegian military exercise Cold Response. The aircraft had a crew of four and was out on a training mission in Nordland County on Friday 18 March 2022. It was on its way north to Bodø, where it was scheduled to land just before 18:00 on Friday.
The plane crashed in Gråtådalen in Beiarn, south of Bodø. A search and rescue mission was launched immediately. At 01.30 Saturday night, the police arrived at the scene.
The police in Nordland County confirmed Saturday morning that the crew of four have died. The four Americans were Marines assigned to 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, II Marine Expeditionary Force. Apart from the crew, there were no other people on board.
Military helicopter to assist in operation
The police have launched an investigation and notified the Accident Investigation Board Norway (AIBN). The weather in the area was very poor, and work at the scene was paused on Saturday. The weather is expected to improve on Sunday.
The Norwegian Armed Forces support the AIBN with one Bell 412 helicopter. It takes part in the further operation, which is headed by the AIBN and the police. The helicopter assists by request of the police in Nordland.
Chief of Defence: My thoughts go to family, friends and colleagues
“It has now sadly been confirmed that the crew on board the American aircraft died in the accident. My thoughts go to the crew’s family, friends and colleagues. I would like to thank everyone who have been involved in the search and rescue operation. We have no one to lose”, says Norwegian Chief of Defence, General Eirik Kristoffersen.
Cold Response to continue
Exercise Cold Response will carry on, with the measures we have to take due to the weather. The Norwegian Armed Forces support the Americans in managing the situation going forward. The U.S. Marine Corps will notify the relatives and the Armed Forces will support when needed.
Press Contacts
- Police in Nordland County: +47 48 99 37 70
- Norwegian Armed Forces: lt.cl. Stine Barclay Gaasland, telephone +47 95 74 15 32
- U.S. Marine Corps press release.