Marines identify 3 people killed in an MV-22 crash off the Australian coast

The Pentagon – The Marines have identified the three service members who died in the MV-22B crash Sunday off the coast of Darwin, Australia.

The marine was a corporal. Spencer Kollart, 21, Captain Eleanor LeBeau, 29, and Major Tobin Lewis, 37. All three Marines are assigned to the “Red Lions” of a Marine Medium (VMM) Tiltrotor Squadron that is forward deployed in Marine Rotational Force – Darwin.

Kollart, who enlisted in 2020, was the MV-22B Osprey’s crew chief for VMM-363 (REIN), according to a Marine Corps news release Monday night. LeBeau, pilot of the MV-22B Osprey for VMM-363 (REIN), commissioned in 2018. Lewis, commissioned in 2008, was the executive officer for VMM-363 (REIN).

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of three respected and beloved members of the MRF-D family,” Col. Brendan Sullivan, MRF-D commander, said in the statement. “Our thoughts and prayers remain with the families and everyone involved.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation.

The Pentagon press secretary, Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder told reporters on Monday. The Marine Corps assured that the service will not stop USNI news. And last year, a design flaw in the MV-22B caused it to crash, killing five Marines. Investigators have not yet indicated that the fault caused the accident, but the investigation is continuing.

U.S. Marines with 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment (Reinforced), Marine Rotational Force – Darwin 23, disembark from a U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey with the 363rd Marine Tiltrotor Squadron (Augmented), MRF-D 23, during Operation Assault air as part of Exercise Talisman Saber 23 in Bloomsbury, Australia, July 28, 2023. Photo by US Marine Corps

“We need to allow time for the investigation to run its course,” Ryder said. “I’m not aware of any service activity involving any kind of message regarding potential suspensions or anything like that. Again, we need to look at the data here and look at each situation and judge it on its own merits. But of course, safety will always be a priority. When it comes to aircraft and flight operations.

Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marls said in an interview with Australian Broadcasting Corporation radio that the accident occurred in a remote area.

Marls told ABC Radio that local Australian agencies were able to get to the scene quickly. Recording of the aircraft at the scene shortly after the accident showed a “major fire” at the crash site.

“I mean, 23 people were on the plane and 20 people survived the crash, which is amazing. This is in large part due to the help that he was able to be provided by those who were on the scene almost immediately,” Marlies said.

Marls told Sky News the incident would be investigated by both the US and Australia.

“This will also be looked into by the Australian authorities, given that the deaths occurred on Australian soil,” Marlies said. “But we will work closely with the United States on the judicial basis of the various investigations. Inevitably, when we have an incident of this nature, the different authorities that have jurisdiction here and are required to investigate the incident are working very closely together, and we will make sure that happens with the United States.” also.

Kollart previously served in Jacksonville, North Carolina, and Pensacola, Florida. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Navy Service Deployment Ribbon.

Lipo previously served in Pensacola, Jacksonville, and Corpus Christi, Texas. She was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Naval Service Deployment Ribbon.

Lewis previously served in Pensacola, Corpus Christi, Jacksonville, and Okinawa, Japan. He received two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, Expeditionary Campaign Medal for the Global War on Terrorism, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and four Navy Service Deployment Bars. .

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