SAN DIEGO — On Saturday, the U.S. Navy announced a “safety pause” for non-deployed aircraft following two crashes in Southern California this week.
Officials from the U.S. Navy stated that Monday’s pause will allow Naval Air Forces (including U.S. Marine Corps aircraft operation) to review risk management and provide safety training.
Wednesday’s fatal crash of a U.S. Marine Corps Osprey in Glamis was the latest loss of aircraft. This area is located in Imperial County, about 150 miles east from San Diego.
U.S. Marine Corps officials identified Capt. John J. Sax (33), Placer, California; Capt. Nicholas P. Losapio (31), Rockingham, New Hampshire; Capt. Nathan E. Carlson (21), of Winnebago in Illinois; Cpl. Seth D. Rasmuson 21, of Johnson (Wyoming); and Lance Cpl. Evan A. Strickland is 19, from Valencia, New Mexico.
The Los Angeles Dodgers announced Saturday that Sax was the son team legend Steve Sax. Sax played second base in baseball and later served as the Arizona Diamondbacks’ coach.
In a statement, Sax stated that Johnny’s son died during a training exercise.
Steve Sax stated, “He was my hero. The best man I know.” “There was no better person than him to defend our country.”
Investigators are still investigating the cause of that accident.
Thursday’s second aircraft was also reported down, approximately 60 miles northeast from El Centro.
Authorities said that a U.S. Navy MH-60S Seahawk helicopter was on a routine training flight when it crashed at a range. All four on board survived, and only one had to be hospitalized for an injury, which was described as non-life-threatening.
These crashes occurred while Commander in Chief and President Joe Biden were in Southern California at the Summit of the Americas. A version of the Osprey is usually with the president when he uses the Marine One-designated helicopter to transport him.
The Osprey is able to take off and land like an aircraft, but can fly like an airplane because of its tiltrotor engines. Before it was put into service, the vehicle was involved in more than 30 fatal crashes.
U.S. Navy officials made Saturday’s statement explaining their reasons for the safety pause. “In order to keep our force ready, we must ensure that the safety of our personnel remains one of the top priorities.”
