Navy officials identified the crewmember who died in a Wednesday crash of a Norfolk-based U.S. Navy aircraft as Lt. Hyrum Hanlon.
Hanlon joined the Navy from Arizona State University in May 2017. He reported to Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 120 on Jan. 31, 2021.
He died when an E-2D Advanced Hawkeye conducting routine flight operations crashed in waters off the Eastern Shore in the vicinity of Wallops Island and Chincoteague, Virginia, according to a news release from the Naval Air Force Atlantic Public Affairs.
Two other crewmembers were rescued and taken for treatment at a local hospital.
“It takes a courageous and patriotic person to devote their life to the selflessness of serving in the armed forces,” Cmdr. Martin Fentress Jr., Commanding Officer of VAW-120 said in the release. “Hyrum embodied those characteristics and will be truly missed by his family and the Hawkeye community. We sincerely appreciate the public respecting the family’s privacy during this difficult time as they mourn his loss.”
The release states the cause of the accident is under investigation.
In a statement Friday, Gov. Glenn Youngkin shared his condolences.
“The First Lady and I are heartbroken by the passing of Navy Lt. Hyrum Hanlon,” he said. “…Our hearts go out to their families, the Naval crew members, as well as the members of Naval Air Force Atlantic. This serves as a reminder that our great servicemen and women risk their lives every day to serve our country.”
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