Oslo, 21 March 2022 (TDI): All four US Marines killed on Friday in a joint NATO Exercises in Norway have been identified.
The Norwegian armed forces in their statement, on Saturday, said that the aircraft with the crew of those four members was on a training mission in Nordland County. On their way back the aircraft crashed near the peninsula of the Norwegian sea, north of the arctic circle, near Bodo. Despite the forecast of strong wind and rain along with the possibilities of an avalanche, the rescuer service was able to reach the site overnight.
“The search and rescue operation found what was an accident site. Sadly, the American aircraft crew died in the accident,” said Gen. Eirik Kristoffersen, head of the Norwegian armed forces.
The Ambassador of the US in Norway also extended deep condolences on the sad event.
Devastated to learn about the four marines who lost their lives in a training accident in Norway. My deepest condolences to their families and loved ones.
— Ambassador Julianne Smith (@USAmbNATO) March 19, 2022
These military exercises by the grand military alliance of NATO were scheduled from March till the end of April and this training was not in response to the Ukraine invasion by Russia. Also, over 27 NATO states came together to train in Norway. Keeping the invasion in view, Norway has announced to upgrade its defense system near its Russian borders.
“Our deepest sympathies go to the soldiers’ families, relatives, and fellow soldiers in their unit,” Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store remarked on Saturday morning.
It is with great sadness we have recived the message that four American soldiers died in a plane crash last night. The soldiers participated in the NATO exercise Cold Response. Our deepest sympathies go to the soldiers’ families, relatives and fellow soldiers in their unit.
— Jonas Gahr Støre (@jonasgahrstore) March 19, 2022
Condolences are pouring in from all over the world and ambassadors, officials, and authorities. The Norwegian authorities did not comment on the cause of the crash but have launched an extensive investigation.
It is important to note that the incident happened while the world is facing humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.
