The U.S. Navy has identified the three sailors lost in a C-2A Greyhound crash Wednesday in the Philippine Sea after ending its search-and-rescue efforts.
The names of the sailors, Lt. Steven Combs, Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Airman Matthew Chialastri, and Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Apprentice Bryan Grosso, were made public after the Navy notified their families, according to a 7th Fleet statement on Saturday.
#BREAKING: #USNavy identifies Sailors lost in C-2A crash – https://t.co/O3HElbJn3g pic.twitter.com/HblLvMRb9G
— U.S. Navy (@USNavy) November 25, 2017
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of these Sailors,” Vice Adm. Phil Sawyer, commander of U.S. Seventh Fleet, said in a statement. “Their service and sacrifice will be lasting in Seventh Fleet and we will continue to stand the watch for them, as they did bravely for all of us.”
Search-and-rescue efforts were led by USS Ronald Reagan along with units from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. According to a release, the two-day search was “continuous” and covered nearly 1,000 square nautical miles.
The C-2A Greyhound had crashed while on its way to the USS Ronald Reagan. The aircraft was carrying 11 crew and passengers at the time, and eight were recovered. An investigation is in process, the Navy said.
“The thoughts and prayers of the entire team onboard Ronald Reagan go out to the families and friends of our fallen shipmates,” Capt. Michael Wosje, Commander, Carrier Air Wing Five, said in a statement. “We are thankful for our professional search and rescue teams and their incredible bravery. The entire Navy team is working together to investigate the cause of this mishap and we will remain focused on our mission to operate forward in a safe and professional manner to ensure peace and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.”
Combs was assigned to the “Providers” of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 30 and embarked aboard the USS Ronald Reagan as part of Carrier Air Wing Five. Chialastri and Grosso had both been assigned to the USS Ronald Reagan. All had received the National Defense Ribbon.
