Marines ID All 5 Victims In CA Military Aircraft Crash

GLAMIS, CA — Officials have identified the five Marines killed when a military aircraft crashed in the southern California desert Wednesday.

As California Patch previously reported, an MV-22B Osprey belonging to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing crashed around 12:30 p.m. Wednesday near Glamis, about 120 miles east of San Diego in Imperial County. All five Marines who were on board the aircraft died.

The crew was conducting routine flight training at the time of the accident. The incident remains under investigation.

On Friday, friends and family identified two of the victims: Cpl. Seth Rasmuson, 21, of Johnson, Wyoming, and Cpl. Nathan Carlson, 21, of Winnebago, Illinois.

RELATED: 2 of 5 ID'd In CA Military Aircraft Crash; Flags To Fly At Half-Staff

The U.S. Marine Corps on Saturday identified the other three victims. Among them was Capt. Nicholas P. Losapio, 31, of Rockingham, New Hampshire. Losapio served as a Marine for nearly 9 years.

Losapio, a 2009 graduate of Exeter High School, was also a member of the school's wrestling team, the Foster's Daily Democrat reported.

Lance Cpl. Evan A. Strickland, 19, of Valencia, New Mexico was also killed in the crash. Strickland, who served for 19 months, was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

The fifth victim was identified as Capt. John J. Sax, 33, of Placer, California. Sax, an MV-22B pilot, served for just under 6 years and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and a Letter of Appreciation.

"It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the loss of five Marines from the Purple Fox family," Lt. Col. John Miller said in a statement. "This is an extremely difficult time for VMM-364 and it is hard to express the impact that this loss has had on our squadron and its families."

The aircraft was based at Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton.

The MV-22 Osprey is used by the Marine Corps to transport troops, equipment and supplies from ships and land bases. The Osprey can operate as a helicopter or a propeller-based aircraft.

Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a statement that he and his wife, Jennifer, were sending "heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones grieving the five Marines."

"Their selflessness and dedication to serving our country will forever be remembered," Newsom said.

Flags at the California State Capitol and Capitol Annex Swing Space will fly at half-staff in their honor, he said.