The remains of three Marines killed when an MV-22B Osprey crashed on Aug. 5 off Australia have all been recovered, Corps officials said on Friday.
Capt. Benjamin Cross, Cpl. Nathaniel Ordway and Lance Cpl. Ruben Velasco died when the Osprey hit the deck of amphibious transport dock ship Green Bay while landing and then crashed into the ocean with 26 troops on board.
Cross and Velasco were both promoted posthumously.
Cross’ remains were recently recovered and will be sent to Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, where Ordway and Valesco’s remains have already been transferred, III Marine Expeditionary Force announced on Friday.
“From Hickam, fallen service members are prepared for transport to their final destination as determined by the families,” a III MEF news release says. “A solemn, dignified transfer of remains continues to be the priority as our fallen Marines are returned to their families.”
The Marine Corps expressed its thanks to the Royal Australian Navy for assisting with efforts to bring the Marines home. The Australian ship HMAS Melville first detected the Osprey’s fuselage and Australian divers with Clearance Diver Team One began initial recovery efforts.
