SECNAV's Statement on the Loss of Three Marines

8 Aug 2017

On Aug. 5, a MV-22 Osprey from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 crashed off Queensland, Australia, after launching from the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6). Three Marines were killed in the crash.

Read Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer's statement on the incident:

We mourn the loss of 1st Lt. Benjamin R. Cross, Cpl. Nathaniel F. Ordway and Pfc. Ruben P. Velasco, and honor their bravery and service to the country.

The Navy and Marine Corps come together during tragic events and I ask that you keep the families of those affected in your thoughts and prayers.

I also want to express my most heartfelt appreciation to our Australian allies for their swift support in search and recovery efforts.

We will fully investigate the cause of this tragic accident.

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