While confirming Saturday that four U.S. servicemembers died in an aircraft accident while performing military exercizes, Norwegian police said that exercises will continue.
“Exercise Cold Response will carry on as planned, with the measures we have to take due to the weather,” said the Norwegian authorities of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization exercise.
All four Americans who died in the accident were Marines assigned to 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, II Marine Expeditionary Force. No others were on board the aircraft.
According to CBS News, the annual NATO drills being conducted in Norway are unrelated to the Russian invasion of Ukraine that began last month. As Ukraine is not a member of NATO – an organization initially created in response the Soviet Union – NATO forces have not been involved in the conflict.
However, the U.S. has provided $1 billion in military aid in a one-week period and Norway announced Friday it would strengthen its military presence along the Russian border, according to Barron’s.
This year, the drills, which began Monday and end April 1, include around 30,000 troops, 220 aircraft and 50 vessels from 27 countries, said CBS.
An American V-22B Osprey aircraft belonging to the U.S. Marine Corps with the four servicemen aboard was expected to arrive in Bodø, Norway Friday evening. They were taking part in the Cold Response exercise training mission in Nordland County.
Before the plane was able to reach Bodø, it crashed to the south in the Gråtådalen area of Beiarn, Norway. A rescue mission was launched and police arrived at the crash scene Saturday.
“The search and rescue operation found what was an accident site. It has now sadly been confirmed that the crew on board the American aircraft died in the accident. My thoughts go to the crew’s family, friends and colleagues. I would like to thank everyone who have been involved in the search and rescue operation. We have no one to lose”, said Norwegian Chief of Defense, General Eirik Kristoffersen.
He said he had “feared the worst,” when he heard the plane was missing.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and U.S. Ambassador to NATO Julianne Smith also shared condolences.
The Norwegian Armed Forces will support the Americans in managing the situation going forward, Norwegian police said. Weather in the area has been poor, and work will continue as conditions allow.
The U.S. Marine Corps are expected to notify the deceased’s relatives.
“As a matter of policy, identities of servicemembers are not released until 24-hours after all next-of-kin notifications have been completed,” said the Marines in a press release.
The Marines also said that Norwegian civil authorities took the lead in search and rescue efforts, “and we are grateful for their professional commitment to our enduring relationship,” as well as all first responders.
“Though the nature of military service is inherently dangerous, the safety of our Marines, Sailors, Allies and partners is our top priority,” said the press release. “Our hearts go out to the families affected by these events.”
Both Norwegian and U.S. organizations are currently investigating the incident.
Related
Related
