Leominster native Capt. Ross A. Reynolds was one among 4 U.S. Marines who died in a airplane crash whereas collaborating in a NATO coaching train in northern Norway.
The coaching was unrelated to the battle in Ukraine, the Norwegian prime minister stated Saturday.
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere tweeted that the airplane crash occurred in a single day whereas troops have been collaborating within the NATO Chilly Response train.
“Our deepest sympathies go to the troopers’ households, family members and fellow troopers of their unit,” Gahr Stoere stated within the assertion.
On Sunday, one of many Marines was recognized as Capt. Reynolds, 27, of Leominster.
Reynolds is a 2017 graduate of Worcester State College.
A 2013 Leominster Excessive College graduate, he was a four-year member of the wrestling crew.
He was an Eagle scout.
“Ross and his household have been lively in Scouting and will all the time be entrance and middle in any respect of our veterans and neighborhood occasions,” Leominster Mayor Dean J. Mazzarella stated in a Fb put up. “God bless these nice People and all those that’ve served and function they maintain this nice America free.”
Leominster Excessive Principal Steven Dubzinski stated Reynolds was a tribute to his household and to his alma mater. He known as him an American hero.
“We should always all aspire to reside a life that he did,” Dubzinski stated. “He was humorous, real, pushed, decided and profitable. Leominster Excessive College and the town of Leominster are particular locations due to individuals like Ross Reynolds.”
State Sen. John J. Cronin, whose district contains Leominster, wrote: “Praying for his spouse and household and eternally grateful to him and the opposite Marines that misplaced their lives this weekend for his or her final sacrifice for our nation.”
The opposite Marines have been recognized as:
• Capt. Matthew J. Tomkiewicz, 27, of Fort Wayne, Indiana.
• Gunnery Sgt. James W. Speedy, 30, of Cambridge, Ohio.
• Cpl. Jacob M. Moore, 24, of Catlettsburg, Kentucky.
The Norwegian Armed Forces stated in an announcement that the plane had a crew of 4 who have been confirmed useless Saturday morning. The trigger was beneath investigation, however Norwegian police reported unhealthy climate within the space.
The II Marine Expeditionary Power on Saturday tweeted that 4 Marines are actually listed in “Responsibility Standing Whereabouts Unknown” following an aviation “incident” in the course of the Chilly Response train close to Bodo, Norway. The incident concerned a Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey plane.
“The search and rescue operations have transitioned to Norwegian native police authorities with help from Norwegian Armed Forces navy models,” a II MEF press launch shared to Twitter reads. “As a matter of coverage, identities of service members are usually not launched till 24-hours in any case next-of-kin notifications have been accomplished.”
The U.S. Marines additionally confirmed on Twitter Friday night that an “incident” occurred involving a MV-22B Osprey whereas coaching in Norway.
“The reason for the incident is beneath investigation, and extra particulars can be supplied as accessible,” the Marines’ tweet reads.
Reynolds’ LinkedIn profile listed him as an Osprey pilot.
The Chilly Response train will proceed regardless of the accident, the Norwegian Armed Forces stated. The NATO drills in Norway are biannual and unrelated to the warfare in Ukraine. This yr, the workout routines started on March 14 and finish April 1. About 30,000 troops, 220 plane and 50 vessels from 27 international locations are collaborating. Finland and Sweden, each non-NATO members, are additionally collaborating.
USA TODAY reached out to the II Marine Expeditionary Power and the Pentagon for remark.
The 4 Marines have been stationed close to Jacksonville, N.C. at Camp Lejeune.
The Each day News reported that members of Onslow County’s civic affairs committee honored the Marines on Saturday with a wreath on the Jacksonville Freedom Fountain. The fountain, which honors Onslow neighborhood members who served within the navy, was positioned in mourning standing; solely the middle Freedom Jet will function.
It is the second coaching train the place Marines died for the reason that starting of the yr. Two Marines have been killed and 17 others injured on Jan. 19 after a 7-ton navy car rolled over in Jacksonville, North Carolina.
Contributing: Related Press; John Orona, The (Jacksonville, N.C.) Each day News
