Name of missing Airman released

MIRAMAR (CNS) – Authorities released the name Friday of the Marine presumed lost at sea after jumping from an MV-22 Osprey aircraft as it temporarily lost power following its takeoff from the San Diego-based amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island.

Cpl. Jordan L. Spears, 21, was one of two crew members who bailed out into the Arabian Gulf when the hybrid airplane-helicopter lost power shortly after taking off Wednesday, according to military officials. The other Marine was rescued, and the pilot was able to regain control of the Osprey and land safely.

The extensive search for Spears was called off on Thursday.

“Cpl. Spears was a cherished member of our MEU family, and he fulfilled a key role in our aviation combat element,” the 11th MEU’s Commanding Officer, Col. Matthew Trollinger, said. “His absence will be felt throughout the unit. My heart goes out to his family, and they will remain in our thoughts and prayers.”

Spears was a tiltrotor crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 163, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit based out of Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. The Memphis, Indiana native enlisted in the Marine Corps four years ago, and was on his first deployment, according to the 11th MEU.

A memorial for Spears will be held on the Makin Island in the coming days, military officials said.

The Makin Island left San Diego July 25 with elements of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit aboard to support operations in Iraq, Syria and throughout the region.