In a tragic turn of events, the Air Force has officially announced that all eight airmen who were aboard the CV-22 Osprey have lost their lives after the aircraft crashed last week near Yakushima Island, Japan. The recovery operation has now shifted its focus from search and rescue to locating and recovering remains and aircraft debris.

According to a statement released by the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) on Tuesday, the remains of three airmen have been recovered, while another three have been located and are in the process of being recovered. The search for the remains of the two remaining airmen is still ongoing.

The transition from search and rescue to search and recovery was made after days of intensive 24/7 operations, as the determination was made that survivors were unlikely. The status of the remaining seven airmen has been changed from "duty status-whereabouts unknown" to deceased.

The Air Force has released the names of the seven airmen who were recovered, in addition to one airman who was recovered over the weekend. Staff Sgt. Jake Galliher, aged 24 and from Pittsfield, Massachusetts, was assigned to the 43rd Intelligence Squadron, Detachment 1, Operating Location - Alpha, 363rd Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Wing based out of Yokota Air Base, Japan.

The remaining airmen have been identified as Maj. Jeffrey T. Hoernemann, Maj. Eric V. Spendlove, Maj. Luke A. Unrath, Capt. Terrell K. Brayman, Tech. Sgt. Zachary E. Lavoy, Staff Sgt. Jake M. Turnage, and Senior Airman Brian K. Johnson. These brave personnel were all assigned to various specialized squadrons and wings based at Yokota and Kadena Air Bases, Japan.

Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind, commander of Air Force Special Operations Command, expressed deep sorrow and paid tribute to the fallen airmen for their honorable service. The loss of these dedicated individuals has left an immeasurable void, as their commitment to serving the nation will forever be remembered.

The search and recovery operations are being jointly conducted by multiple units including the Japan Coast Guard, Japan Self-Defense Forces, US Pacific Air Forces, US Pacific Fleet, US Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, Special Operations Command-Pacific, and the 353rd Special Operations Wing based at Kadena Air Base. The 18th Wing, also stationed at Kadena Air Base, and the 1st Special Forces Group are also contributing to the ongoing efforts.

Rear Adm. Jeromy Williams, the commander of Special Operations Command - Pacific, expressed gratitude to the Government of Japan's Self Defense Force, Coast Guard, law enforcement, mariners, and local Yakushima civilian volunteers for their tireless assistance in the search and rescue operations.

The mission now is to continue working diligently to locate and bring home the remaining aircrew members to their grieving families. The dedication and resolve of all those involved in this recovery effort are unwavering as they strive to honor the service and sacrifice of these brave airmen.