WASHINGTON — The U.S. Marine Corps has identified the four Marines who died when their Osprey aircraft crashed Friday night in a Norwegian town in the Arctic Circle during a NATO exercise.
The men, all assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261, Marine Aircraft Group 26, 2d Marine Aircraft Wing stationed on Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, were identified as:
- Capt. Matthew J. Tomkiewicz, 27, of Fort Wayne, Indiana.
- Capt. Ross A. Reynolds, 27, of Leominster, Massachusetts.
- Gunnery Sgt. James W. Speedy, 30, of Cambridge, Ohio.
- Cpl. Jacob M. Moore, 24, of Catlettsburg, Kentucky.
In a statement issued Sunday night, a Marine Corps spokesman said the bodies were removed from the crash site and were in the process of being returned to the U.S.
The cause of the crash remained under investigation, but Norwegian police reported bad weather in the area.
Officials in Norway said the MV-22B Osprey crashed in Graetaedalen in Beiarn, south of Bodoe.
Governor Eric Holcomb released the following statement Sunday regarding Tomkiewicz's death:
“Janet and I send our sincere condolences to Captain Matthew Tomkiewicz's family and friends, especially in the tough days ahead. We ask all Hoosiers to surround the family with love and never-ending appreciation for all Captain Tomkiewicz gave to our state and nation.”
Rep. Jim Banks of Indiana's 3rd Congressional District representing Ft. Wayne also released a statement Monday:
“Capt. Matthew Tomkiewicz of Fort Wayne was one of four Marines who passed away following an accident during a NATO training exercise in Norway. My office is in contact with the Marine Corps regarding their ongoing investigation and forthcoming reports.
Capt. Tomkiewicz devoted seven years of his life to protecting our country, earning the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, before he paid the ultimate sacrifice last Friday. Northeast Indiana will always remembered his patriotism and his willingness to put his life on the line for others. He represents the best of our state and our nation.
Please join me in praying for the Tomkiewicz family, and please respect the family’s privacy during this incredibly trying time.”