The Air Force on Tuesday identified eight crewmembers killed last month when their CV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft crashed off the coast of Japan during what the military called a routine training mission.

The operation near Japan’s Yakushima Island has transitioned from “search and rescue” to “search and recover” after authorities determined it was unlikely anyone survived the crash, officials said.

“The recovery operation will now focus on locating and recovering all remains and aircraft debris,” Air Force officials said.

The personnel aboard the Osprey were assigned to the 353rd Special Operations Wing in Yokota, Japan.

The remains of Staff Sgt. Jake Galliher, 24, was recovered on Nov. 29, the day of the crash. The other Air Force crew members have been identified as Maj. Jeffrey T. Hoernemann, 32, and Maj. Luke A. Unrath, 34, both pilots; Maj. Eric V. Spendlove, 36, an Air Force flight surgeon; Capt. Terrell K. Brayman, 32, another pilot aboard the Osprey; Tech Sgt. Zachary E. Lavoy, 33, a medical operations flight chief; and Staff Sgt. Jake M. Turnage, 25, and Senior Airman Brian K. Johnson, 32, both flight engineers.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families, friends and peers of all who are impacted by this mishap and loss of life,” said Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind, commander of Air Force Special Operations Command. “The honorable service of these eight airmen to this great nation will never be forgotten, as they are now among the giants who shape our history.”

The Japanese Self-Defense Force, the Japanese coast guard and law enforcement — along with residents in the area — took part in the intense search and rescue effort.

“Their selfless dedication in our time of need demonstrates the ironclad bond between our nations,” said Rear Adm. Jeromy Williams, commander of Special Operations Command Pacific. “We are resolved to locate our aircrew and bring them home to their families.”

• Mike Glenn can be reached at mglenn@washingtontimes.com.