U.S. Navy Orders "Safety Pause" After Series of Crashes

The U,S. Navy ordered a one day "safety pause" Monday following the deadly crash of an MV-22B Osprey last week and the crash of a Navy Seahawk helicopter the next day both in Imperial County.

All Navy non-deployed aviation units were ordered to pause flight operations for the one day to review practices and conduct training after a series of crashes over 10 days.

Six service members — a Navy F/A-18E Superhornet pilot and the 5-Marine crew of an MV-22B Osprey — died in two Southern California crashes within a week. A third aircraft, a San Diego-based MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter, crashed Thursday. All four sailors on board the chopper survived.

Military officials released the names and backgrounds of the five Marines in the crash of the Osprey aircraft crash in Imperial County June 8. The Marines were part of the Marine Aircraft Group 39, a unit based at Camp Pendleton.

“It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the loss of five Marines from the Purple Fox family” said Lt. Col. John C. Miller, Commanding Officer of VMM-364. “This is an extremely difficult time for VMM-364 and it is hard to express the impact that this loss has had on our squadron and its families. Our primary mission now is taking care of the family members of our fallen Marines and we respectfully request privacy for their families as they navigate this difficult time. We appreciate all the prayers and support from the strong extended Purple Fox family and want them to know that more information will be forthcoming on how to help.”

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. John J. Sax, 33, of Placer, California, was assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 364 where he served as an MV-22B Pilot. His personal awards include the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and a Letter of Appreciation. He served as a United States Marine for 5 years and 8 months.

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Nicholas P. Losapio, 31, of New Durham, New Hampshire, was assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 364 where he served as an MV-22B Pilot. His personal awards include the Air Medal with Strike/Flight numeral 2, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. He served as a United States Marine for 8 years and 9 months.  

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Nathan E. Carlson, 21, of Winnebago, Illinois, was assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 364 where he served as a Tiltrotor Crew Chief. His personal awards include the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. He served as a United States Marine for 3 years.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Seth D. Rasmuson, 21, of Johnson, Wyoming, was assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 364 where he served as a Tiltrotor Crew Chief. His personal awards include the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. He served as a United States Marine for 3 years and 2 months.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Evan A. Strickland, 19, of Valencia, New Mexico was assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 364 where he served as a Tiltrotor Crew Chief. His personal awards include the National Defense Service Medal and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. He served as a United States Marine for 1 year and 7 months.

(Photo credit 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing)