Update: 4 Marines assigned to 2d Marine Aircraft Wing Killed in MV-22B Osprey Accident in Norway

UPDATE: Norway Police, Defence Department:

The American V-22B Osprey aircraft belongs to the U.S. Marine Corps and was taking part in the Norwegian military exercise Cold Response. The aircraft had a crew of four and was out on a training mission in Nordland County on Friday 18 March 2022. It was on its way north to Bodø, where it was scheduled to land just before 18:00 on Friday.

The plane crashed in Gråtådalen in Beiarn, south of Bodø. A search and rescue mission was launched immediately. At 01.30 Saturday night, the police arrived at the scene.

The police in Nordland County confirmed Saturday morning that the crew of four have died. The four Americans were Marines assigned to 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, II Marine Expeditionary Force. Apart from the crew, there were no other people on board.

Military helicopter to assist in operation 

The police have launched an investigation and notified the Accident Investigation Board Norway (AIBN). The weather in the area was very poor, and work at the scene was paused on Saturday. The weather is expected to improve on Sunday.

The Norwegian Armed Forces support the AIBN with one Bell 412 helicopter. The helicopter will be ready from Sunday morning and will take part in the further operation, headed by the AIBN and the police. The helicopter assists by request of the police in Nordland.

Chief of Defence: My thoughts go to family, friends and colleagues

“It has now sadly been confirmed that the crew on board the American aircraft died in the accident. My thoughts go to the crew’s family, friends and colleagues. I would like to thank everyone who have been involved in the search and rescue operation. We have no one to lose”, says Norwegian Chief of Defence, General Eirik Kristoffersen.

Cold Response to continue

Exercise Cold Response will carry on, with the measures we have to take due to the weather. The Norwegian Armed Forces support the Americans in managing the situation going forward. The U.S. Marine Corps will notify the relatives and the Armed Forces will support when needed.

4 Marines assigned to 2d Marine Aircraft Wing, are listed in Duty Status Whereabouts Unknown following a training incident in support of Exercise Cold Response 2022 on the evening of March 18, 2022.

We can confirm an incident has occurred involving a Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey aircraft. The aircraft was conducting training in Norway as part of Exercise COLD RESPONSE 22 at the time of the incident.

The cause of the incident is under investigation, and additional details will be provided as available.

FORM SECRET CAVES TO NORWEGIAN RAILS: MARINES MOVE EQUIPMENT ACROSS NORWAY FOR COLD RESPONSE

15 FEB 2016 | Cpl. Dalton PrechtII Marine Expeditionary Force

Norway — The Norwegian Home Guard and U.S. Marines moved main battle tanks, amphibious assault vehicles, artillery, and equipment forward to one of the largest live-fire ranges in Norway Feb. 12 in preparation for Exercise Cold Response 2016.

“The rail operations provide a quick and easy mode of transportation to move around for Cold Response 16,” said Gunnery Sgt. Joseph Conradi, logistics operations chief with Marine Forces Europe and Africa.

The equipment from the Marine Corps Prepositioning Program-Norway, which includes M1A1 main battle tanks, light armored vehicles, amphibious assault vehicles, and other combat vehicles, were drawn from stockpiles stored and meticulously maintained in secure caves throughout central Norway. Tons of it was loaded onto railcars on its way to a live-fire exercise in Rena, Norway, in the coming days.

“This lets us work side by side and get expertise from the Norwegians, who operate in this environment full time,” said Conradi. 

MCPP-N enables Marines to fall in on battle-ready equipment and quickly move it forward, enhances the Corps’ ability to respond to crises in the region quickly and effectively. The railhead’s accessibility from the caves makes it that much more effective.

“This is as important as any other training,” said Norwegian Army Capt. Rune Andersen, the company commander for Movement and Transportation Company, Host Nation Support Battalion. “Several aspects of that with integration of nations and preparing them in this climate all come together and prepare us for Cold Response.”

The Norwegians and Marines of 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade show the capability of Marine Corps prepositioning and host-nation support. 

“We love to work with the Marines,” he said. “It’s an important thing to do for us to be able to train with them. We are lucky to have the Marines come over and do all of our training here.” 

Exercise Cold Response is a regularly scheduled training event designed to enhance joint crisis response capabilities in cold weather environments.

This year’s exercise will include NATO allies and partners from 13 countries to improve capabilities in cold-weather conditions.