YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- With solemn hearts, teary eyes, and unwavering spirits, Airmen across Yokota Air Base stood in formation for a retreat ceremony to honor the fallen aircrew of Gundam 22, Feb. 15.
On November 29, 2023, eight brave souls in Air Force Special Operations Command lost their lives in an aircraft mishap during a routine training mission off the shore of Yakushima Island, Japan.
An intimate memorial service and retreat ceremony were held by the 374th Airlift Wing to venerate the crew. Observances like this are embedded in military culture to commemorate those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the United States and its allies. In tribute to the enduring legacy of Gundam 22, the remembrance service opened with the presentation of colors and a message of hope.
Family members, friends and coworkers of the deceased offered words of remembrance throughout the ceremony. Anecdotes of their personal lives and distinguished military careers memorialized the long-lasting impact each crew member had within their immediate circles and beyond. Distinguished visitors from the Special Operations Command Pacific, Air Force Special Operations Command and 353rd Special Operations Wing gave insight on what these men meant to the special operations community.
“We suffered a catastrophic loss of eight teammates, brothers, and friends,” said Lt. Col. Matthew Davis, 21st Special Operations commander. “These men were the best of us, dedicated special operators, quiet professionals, and generous friends. These [virtues] are all things we can strive for ourselves in honoring them.”
The search and rescue teams that sought to recover the remains of the Airmen involved in the accident were also recognized during the memorial. During these efforts, members from Pacific Air Forces, Special Operations Command Pacific, and Japanese Self-Defense Forces assembled to search over 50,000 square kilometers of the ocean’s surface. These efforts demonstrated that even through tragedy, the ironclad commitment between allied nations is steadfast and the strong tie between the U.S. and Japan is clear.
“As we gathered today to remember the crew of Gundam 22, I was reminded of the profound bond that unites us all—not just as Airmen, but as a community of friends, family members, and local partners that extends beyond borders,” said Col. Andrew Roddan, 374th Airlift Wing commander. “In honoring their memory, we recommitted ourselves to the mission they served with such honor, ready to face the challenges ahead with the same resolve and spirit they showed. Their sacrifice will forever be etched in the heart of Yokota and the entire Air Force family.”
The AFSOC community, Team Yokota and the wingmen of the fallen aircrew continue to echo the courage, dedication and valor that defined the lives of the men that died on November 29, 2023.
U.S. Air Force Maj. Jeffrey T. Hoernemann, 32, of Andover, Minnesota, was a CV-22 instructor pilot and squadron chief of tactics, assigned to the 21st Special Operations Squadron, 353rd Special Operations Wing, Yokota Air Base, Japan.
U.S. Air Force Maj. Eric V. Spendlove, 36, of St. George, Utah, was a residency trained flight surgeon and medical operations flight commander assigned to the 1st Special Operations Squadron, 353rd Special Operations Wing, Kadena Air Base, Japan.
U.S. Air Force Maj. Luke A. Unrath, 34, of Riverside, California, was a CV-22 pilot and flight commander assigned to the 21st Special Operations Squadron, 353rd Special Operations Wing, Yokota Air Base, Japan.
U.S. Air Force Maj. Terrell K. Brayman, 32, of Pittsford, New York, was a CV-22 pilot and flight commander assigned to the 21st Special Operations Squadron, 353rd Special Operations Wing, Yokota Air Base, Japan.
U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Zachary E. Lavoy, 33, of Oviedo, Florida, was a medical operations flight chief assigned to the 1st Special Operations Squadron, 353rd Special Operations Wing, Kadena Air Base, Japan.
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jake M. Turnage, 25, of Kennesaw, Georgia, was a flight engineer and non-commissioned officer in charge of training assigned to the 21st Special Operations Squadron, 353rd Special Operations Wing, Yokota Air Base, Japan.
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jacob “Jake” Galliher, 24, of Pittsfield, Mass. Jake was a Direct Support Operator assigned to the 43rd Intelligence Squadron, Detachment 1, Operating Location - Alpha, 363rd Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Wing based out of Yokota Air Base, Japan.
U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Brian K. Johnson, 32, of Cincinnati, Ohio, was a flight engineer and mobility airman assigned to the 21st Special Operations Squadron, 353rd Special Operations Wing, Yokota Air Base, Japan.