Air Commandos Remember the Crew of GUNDAM-22 on First Anniversary Published Nov. 29, 2024 By Lucelia Ball Air Force Special Operations Command Public Affairs HURLBURT FIELD, FL -- Nov 29, 2024, marks one year since a CV-22 Osprey, assigned to the 353rd Special Operations Wing, crashed near Yakushima, Japan, while participating in a joint interoperability exercise resulting in the loss of the eight crew members aboard. Air Commandos, family, friends, and community members around the world mourned the tragic loss of Maj. Jeff Hoernemann, Maj. Eric Spendlove, Maj. Luke Unrath, Maj. Terry Brayman, Tech. Sgt. Zachary Lavoy, Staff Sgt. Jake Turnage, Staff Sgt. Jake Galliher, and Senior Airman Kody Johnson. The tragic loss of these Airmen impacted every member within AFSOC. The days and months following their loss were filled with sorrow as intensive search, recovery, and salvage efforts were conducted and the command and loved ones prepared to lay the Air Commandos to rest. Maj. Jeff Hoernemann was 32 years old and a native of Andover, Minnesota. He served as a CV-22 Instructor Pilot and Chief of Weapons and Tactics assigned to the 21st Special Operations Squadron. “Jeff was a true leader, SOF warrior and patriot. His character was the benchmark of officership in the United States Air Force. Jeff was the best of us,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Tyler Oldham, 21st SOS commander in a 2023 release. Maj. Eric Spendlove was 36 years old and a native of St. George, Utah. He served as a Special Operations Flight Surgeon and Medical Operations Flight Commander assigned to the 1st Special Operations Squadron. “Eric was an incredible son, husband, brother, and father,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Christopher Pellegrino, 1st SOS commander in a 2023 release. “Eric’s incredible attributes live on through his children and form his honored legacy in remembrance for those who knew him.” Maj. Luke Unrath was 34 years old and a native of Riverside, California. He served as a CV-22 Aircraft Commander and Flight Commander assigned to the 21st SOS. “Luke was a beloved husband, brother, and son, as well as an incredible leader and devout man of faith who embodied the core values,” said Oldham in a 2023 release. “Luke was a natural leader.” Maj. Terry Brayman was 32 years old and a native of Pittsford, New York. He served as a CV-22 Aircraft Commander with duties at United States Forces Japan as the Deputy Chief of Bilateral Operations assigned to the 21st SOS. “Terry was a beloved brother and son, as well as a multi-talented officer, skilled aviator, mission commander, and proven leader of teams,” said Oldham in a 2023 release. Tech. Sgt. Zachary Lavoy was 33 years old and a native of Oviedo, Florida. He served as a Medical Operations Flight Chief assigned to the 1st SOS. “Zach treasured his fiancé, parents, and brother dearly sharing stories with them no matter where he was in the world. His eternal presence will forever be in the hearts of those he loved,” Pellegrino in a 2023 release. Staff Sgt. Jake Turnage was 25 years old and a native of Kennesaw, Georgia. He served as a Lead Flight Engineer and Noncommissioned Officer in Charge of Training assigned to the 21st SOS. “Jake’s humor and zeal were contagious. His magnetic personality was always uplifting and lightened the load of his squadron mates. He loved to fly and to learn. His enthusiasm and positive attitude inspired others every day,” said Oldham in a 2023 release. Staff Sgt. Jake Galliher was 24 years old and a native of Pittsfield, Massachusetts. He served as a Direct Support Operator assigned to the 43rd Intelligence Squadron, Detachment 1. “Jacob was a beloved husband, father, son, and brother as well as a model Airman who will be forever remembered for his dedication to this great nation and his fellow warriors,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Gilbert Summers, 43d IS, Detachment 1 Commander in a 2023 release. Senior Airman Kody Johnson was 32 years old and a native of Cincinnati, Ohio. He served as a CV-22 Special Missions Aviator and Unit Deployment Manager assigned to the 21st SOS. “Kody was a beloved son, brother and uncle as well as an outstanding Special Mission Aviator. Kody brought energy and focus into the organization. His knowledge, skill and attention to detail inspired competence and trust amongst his fellow aircrew,” said Oldham in a 2023 release. These eight Airmen exemplified the Air Commando ethos through their leadership, dedication, professionalism and passion. Their spirit lives with AFSOC everyday as the command remains laser focused on ensuring Air Commandos are a professional force, ready to execute any mission asked of them. Nov. 29, 2023, serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by military personnel and their families in service to the nation. We will never forget these Air Commandos. We will never forget their families and loved ones. We will honor them always as we operate any place, anytime, anywhere.