U.S. Navy Identifies Sailors Lost in C-2A Crash

The U.S. Navy has released the names of the three Sailors lost in a C-2A Greyhound plane crash last week. The three are Lt. Steven Combs, Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Equipment) Airman Matthew Chialastri and Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Apprentice Bryan Grosso. 

The C-2A Greyhound, assigned to VRC 30, crashed en route to USS Ronald Reagan on November 22 while operating in the Philippine Sea. The aircraft was carrying 11 crew and passengers at the time. Eight people were recovered on scene after the crash by U.S. Navy Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC 12). 

USS Ronald Reagan led combined search and rescue efforts with units from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. Over the course of two days of continuous search efforts, ships and aircraft covered nearly 1,000 square nautical miles. 

Combs, a native of Florida, was assigned to the "Providers" of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 30 and embarked aboard USS Ronald Reagan as part of Carrier Air Wing Five. His previous duty assignments include the "Greyhawks" of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 120, the Center for Security Forces Detachment Kittery Point, in Portsmouth, N.H., and Training Wing 4, in Corpus Christi, Texas. His awards include the National Defense Ribbon and the Navy Battle "E" Ribbon. 

 

Chialastri, a native of Louisiana, was assigned to USS Ronald Reagan. His previous duty stations include USS America (LHA 6), Patrol Squadron Thirty (VP-30), the "Pro's Nest," in Jacksonville, Fla., and the Center for Security Forces Detachment Kittery Point, in Portsmouth, N.H. His awards include the National Defense Ribbon. 

 

 

 

Grosso, a native of Florida was assigned to USS Ronald Reagan. His previous duty stations include the Naval Air Technical Training Center in Pensacola, Fla., and the Naval Recruit Training Center in Great Lakes, Ill. His awards include the National Defense Ribbon.