U.S. and Japanese divers have made a significant discovery in the search for the wreckage and missing crew members of the U.S. Air Force Osprey aircraft that crashed off southwestern Japan last week. The CV-22 Osprey, carrying eight American personnel, went down last Wednesday during a training mission off Yakushima Island. So far, only one body has been recovered and identified as Air Force Staff Sgt. Jacob Galliher of Pittsfield, Massachusetts. On Monday, divers from the Japanese navy and U.S. military reported finding what appears to be the front section of the Osprey and possibly five of the missing crew members. However, Japanese navy officials have not confirmed these reports, stating that they cannot release details without consent from the U.S.

The U.S.-made Osprey is a hybrid aircraft that can take off and land like a helicopter but can also rotate its propellers forward and fly like an airplane. It has faced safety concerns in the past, and Japan has now suspended all flights of its own fleet of 14 Ospreys. However, the U.S. military is continuing to fly 24 MV-22 Ospreys deployed on the southern Japanese island of Okinawa.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation, and the Japanese authorities are limited in their ability to independently investigate due to the Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement. This agreement has often made it difficult for Japanese authorities to investigate incidents involving American service members and has been criticized as unequal by rights activists and Okinawa Governor Denny Tamaki.

On Sunday, Japan's coast guard and local fishing boats handed over pieces of wreckage collected from the crash site to the U.S. military for examination. The recovered debris includes parts of the aircraft and an inflatable life raft, but nothing related to the cause of the crash. Witnesses reported seeing fire coming from one of the engines, but the exact details of what happened are still unknown.

The Air Force Special Operations Command has expressed its commitment to continuing search and recovery efforts, stating that their top priority is bringing the Airmen home and supporting their families. U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel has also emphasized the importance of safety and transparency in the investigation, promising to work with Japanese authorities and provide full information about the accident.

Meanwhile, the grounding of the Osprey aircraft has been announced by the Air Force following the crash. The safety of service members and Japanese communities is a top priority for the United States, according to Pentagon Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh. The U.S. has thanked the Japanese coast guard and local fishermen for their ongoing assistance in the search and recovery operation.

The tragic loss of Staff Sgt. Jacob Galliher has deeply saddened his family, friends, and community. Galliher, described as an incredible son, brother, husband, father, and friend, leaves behind a wife and two young sons. Tributes have poured in for Galliher, who was widely respected for his dedication to serving his country.

As the investigation continues and efforts are made to recover the remaining crew members and wreckage, the focus remains on bringing closure to the families and determining the cause of this tragic accident.