YAKUSHIMA, Japan -- The 353rd Special Operations Wing will host a bilateral cenotaph dedication ceremony on November 29th, 2024, between the U.S. and Japan to honor the eight Airmen lost in a CV-22 Osprey mishap in November of 2023 and the Yakushima community’s contributions to the search and recovery effort. Family members, local community members, and visitors will now have a place to pay tribute to those lost in the mishap and honor the Japanese response and enduring partnership.
The ceremony will feature the dedication of a stone monument, designed and constructed on Yakushima by local craftsmen. The site will serve as both a memorial to the eight U.S. servicemembers who were lost onboard GUNDAM 22, and a place of reflection and prayer for the Yakushima community.
Col. Shawn Young, commander of the 353rd SOW, spoke about the significance of the cenotaph and what it means to have it erected on the island.
“The crew of GUNDAM 22 were all individuals who exemplified the highest ideals of service, care, and commitment to their families, to their nation, and to the U.S. Air Force. We still feel the pain of their loss. This monument not only serves to honor their memory, but also symbolizes the bond formed with the people of Yakushima, who were steadfast in their support of our efforts to find and recover our crew.”
The CV-22 Osprey mishap took place on Nov. 29, 2023, approximately one-half mile off the coast of Yakushima Island, Japan. The aircraft, callsign GUNDUM 22, was assigned to the 21st Special Operations Squadron, 353rd Special Operations Wing at Yokota Air Base, Japan, and was participating in a joint inter-operability exercise when the mishap occurred.
Approximately seven minutes after the aircraft impacted water, the Japan Coast Guard quickly dispatched watercraft and aircraft to the area to begin search and rescue operations. Intensive search, rescue, recovery, and salvage efforts were conducted for 43 days, alongside the Japan Coast Guard, Japan Self- Defense Forces, local law enforcement, and Japanese civilian volunteers.
All but one of the aircrew members were recovered, and now their names and portraits are displayed on the memorial along with inscriptions in both English and Japanese.
Following the dedication, the cenotaph grounds will be open to the public, to provide a space for healing.
For more information, please contact the 353rd Special Operations Wing Public Affairs office at 353sow.pa@us.af.mil or U.S. Forces Japan Public Affairs at indopacom.yokota.usfj.mbx.j021@mail.mil.