Families of Camp Pendleton Marines killed in 2022 Osprey crash attend House hearing – NBC 7 San Diego

It was just over two years ago that five Camp Pendleton Marines were killed during a training exercise when an MV-22 Osprey crashed near Glamis, California.

“I would describe him as a very kind, thoughtful soul,” Michelle Strickland said of her 19-year-old son, Lance Cpl. Evan Strickland. “He had this zest for life.”

Michelle and Brett Strickland, who served in the Air Force, are still searching for answers about the crash that killed their son.

“He was always fascinated by being that person who was there, you know, whether it was bringing help or helping to rescue injured people from dangerous situations. That was one of the things he looked forward to most, these humanitarian missions,” explained Evans’ father, Brett.

The Stricklands are traveling from New Mexico to our nation’s capital to get answers to these questions. They are attending Wednesday’s hearing of the House Subcommittee on National Security, Border and Foreign Policy. The hearing will address oversight and safety concerns related to the Department of Defense’s Osprey program.

“Frankly, I hope to hear some answers. I hope to hear that there will be some serious oversight,” Brett said.

The hearing comes after the Stricklands and the families of three other Marines stationed at Camp Pendleton who died in the Osprey crash filed suit in federal court in May against several Osprey manufacturers.

A Marine Corps investigation into the crash found that the Osprey experienced a hard double clutch operation, resulting in a “catastrophic” situation that the Marines on board were unable to do anything about.

Few details have been released about the cause of the crash, but military officials are calling it an “accident.”

“Bell-Boeing has been aware of the V-22 Osprey engagement issues since 2010,” said Tim Loranger of Wisner Baum, who represents the Marines’ families. “Now, more than a dozen years later, that knowledge has not led to a solution, and the malfunction has continued to cost lives.”

“Our goal for Michelle and me was never to ground the Osprey,” Brett explained. “It was always about making it safer for those who still need to fly, and we hope this oversight does that.”

According to the Associated Press, more than 50 soldiers have died in accidents aboard Osprey ships since 2000.

The Stricklands have started a podcast called “Remember Them.”

They hope the lawsuit and Wednesday’s hearing will lead to accountability so that their son, who they say joined the military to do good, will continue to do so after his death.

“We don’t want any other family to have to go through what we went through because you wouldn’t wish it on anyone,” Michelle said.

The families will not speak at Wednesday’s hearing but will have the opportunity to make statements.

The US military grounded its entire fleet of around 400 Ospreys after one crashed in Japan last November, killing eight pilots.