By Diyar Guldogan
WASHINGTON (AA) - The US defense chief voiced deep sorrow Tuesday for the deaths of eight airmen who were aboard an Osprey military aircraft that crashed off the coast of Japan last week.
"I am deeply saddened by the loss of eight American troops in a tragic aircraft crash off the coast of Japan.
"The entire Department of Defense mourns alongside the families and the loved ones of those who lost their lives today in the service of their country," Lloyd Austin wrote on X.
The US will continue to gather information on this "tragic incident," and “we will conduct a rigorous and thorough' investigation, added Austin, who thanked Japan for its search and rescue efforts.
A US military Osprey aircraft with eight personnel onboard crashed last Wednesday off the coast of Japan’s Yakushima Island.
Pentagon spokesman Pat Ryder told reporters Tuesday that the search and rescue effort for the aircraft has transitioned to a search and recovery effort.
"Recovery operational now focus on locating and recovering the remaining two airmen and aircraft debris," said Ryder.