Several lawmakers took to social media to express their condolences for the four U.S. Marines who died during a NATO training exercise in Norway on Friday.
The identities of the four men were released on Sunday. They included Cpl. Jacob M. Moore, 24, of Catlettsburg, Kentucky; Gunnery Sgt. James W. Speedy, 30, of Cambridge, Ohio; Capt. Matthew J. Tomkiewicz, 27, of Fort Wayne, Indiana; and Capt. Ross A. Reynolds, 27, of Leominster, Massachusetts.
The four men belonged to the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing stationed at Marine Corps Air Station in New River, North Carolina, according to a statement from the Naval Institute.
Marines Identify Four Killed in MV-22B Crash Site in Arctic Norway – USNI Newshttps://t.co/INKNbW4Yvu pic.twitter.com/8A4m1RP1ur
— U.S. Naval Institute (@NavalInstitute) March 21, 2022
“I was saddened to learn that Cpl. Jacob Moore of Catlettsburg, Kentucky, was one of four Marines killed during NATO exercises in Norway Friday night. I am incredibly grateful for his service defending our nation’s freedom. My prayers are with his family in this difficult time,” Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) wrote.
I was saddened to learn that Cpl. Jacob Moore of Catlettsburg, Kentucky, was one of four Marines killed during NATO exercises in Norway Friday night. I am incredibly grateful for his service defending our nation’s freedom. My prayers are with his family in this difficult time.
— Leader McConnell (@LeaderMcConnell) March 21, 2022
“Praying for the family, friends, and community of Capt. Matthew Tomkiewicz from Fort Wayne, Indiana, one of the four Marines who died on Friday in Norway during a NATO exercise when their aircraft crashed. We honor Capt. Tomkiewicz’s service and we’ll never forget his sacrifice,” Indiana Republican Sen. Mike Braun wrote.
Praying for the family, friends, and community of Capt. Matthew Tomkiewicz from Fort Wayne, Indiana, one of the four Marines who died on Friday in Norway during a NATO exercise when their aircraft crashed. We honor Capt. Tomkiewicz’s service and we’ll never forget his sacrifice.
— Senator Mike Braun (@SenatorBraun) March 21, 2022
“We mourn the loss of four Marines who tragically perished during a training exercise in Norway, including Capt. Matthew Tomkiewicz of Fort Wayne. We will never forget their sacrifice and service, and I offer my deepest condolences to their loved ones,” fellow Indiana Republican Sen. Todd Young shared.
We mourn the loss of four Marines who tragically perished during a training exercise in Norway, including Capt. Matthew Tomkiewicz of Fort Wayne. We will never forget their sacrifice and service, and I offer my deepest condolences to their loved ones. https://t.co/0fkBXqGvMy
— Senator Todd Young (@SenToddYoung) March 21, 2022
“Heartbroken to learn that Captain Ross A. Reynolds of Leominster was one of the four U.S. Marines who died yesterday during a NATO training exercise crash. Massachusetts and the nation are praying for their families during this terrible time,” Massachusetts Democratic Rep. Jim McGovern wrote.
Heartbroken to learn that Captain Ross A. Reynolds of Leominster was one of the four U.S. Marines who died yesterday during a NATO training exercise crash.
Massachusetts and the nation are praying for their families during this terrible time.https://t.co/ElaLQ8gg0f
— Rep. Jim McGovern (@RepMcGovern) March 21, 2022
“Losing four brave, dedicated #NC03 service members is heartbreaking. As our @MCASNewRiver community mourns the fallen, and I ask that you pray for the loved ones impacted by this tragedy, and for all of our beloved service members serving overseas,” North Carolina Republican Rep. Greg Murphy shared.
Losing four brave, dedicated #NC03 service members is heartbreaking. As our @MCASNewRiver community mourns the fallen, and I ask that you pray for the loved ones impacted by this tragedy, and for all of our beloved service members serving overseas. https://t.co/ZhHVmww87u
— Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. (@RepGregMurphy) March 21, 2022
“Kay and I are praying for those who knew and loved Capt. Tomkiewicz, Capt. Reynolds, GySgt. Speedy and Cpl. Moore. We will forever remember and honor their service to the @USMC and to our nation,” Oklahoma Republican Sen. Jim Inhofe wrote.
Kay and I are praying for those who knew and loved Capt. Tomkiewicz, Capt. Reynolds, GySgt. Speedy and Cpl. Moore. We will forever remember and honor their service to the @USMC and to our nation. https://t.co/rxkL8u1Zak
— Sen. Jim Inhofe (@JimInhofe) March 21, 2022
“Absolutely tragic. We are grieving the heartbreaking loss of these heroes and praying for their families. Endlessly grateful for the sacrifices our men and women in uniform make to keep us safe,” Iowa Republican Rep. Ashley Hinson tweeted.
Absolutely tragic.
We are grieving the heartbreaking loss of these heroes and praying for their families.
Endlessly grateful for the sacrifices our men and women in uniform make to keep us safe. https://t.co/CHo6pVpS7S
— Ashley Hinson (@RepAshleyHinson) March 21, 2022
“Heartbreaking loss. Praying for their families and the Marine Corps community who is grieving the loss of their brothers-in-arms,” House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) wrote.
Heartbreaking loss. Praying for their families and the Marine Corps community who is grieving the loss of their brothers-in-arms. https://t.co/OZxDxbGeNR
— Kevin McCarthy (@GOPLeader) March 21, 2022
The Daily Wire previously reported:
The four men were reported missing on Friday evening after failing to report back following a training mission in northern Norway, according to the statement. The incident involved an MV-22B Osprey.
“Norwegian search aircraft, including a rescue helicopter from the airbase and a Royal Norwegian Air Force P-3C Orion maritime surveillance aircraft, found a suspected crash site but could not reach the location by air and local rescue crews had to reach the site from the ground,” the report added.
“The four crew members have been retrieved from the accident site by a Sea King rescue helicopter from Norwegian 330 Squadron. The deceased will remain in Bodø until being transported back to the USA,” the Norwegian military said in a separate statement.