The Marine Corps released a statement that they have cleared the MV-22 Osprey for return to active flight status after an investigation into a deadly crash where three Marines died.

The service put a two-day pause on operations while it examined the circumstances around the crash off the USS Bonhomme Richard during a training exercise in Australia, said Lt. Gen. Lawrence Nicholson, commander of the III Marine Expeditionary Force based in Okinawa.

“After taking these actions and making an initial examination of the facts and circumstances leading up to the mishap, the [Marine Expeditionary Unit] determined that the Osprey is safe to fly and resumed operations,” Nicholson said. “I concurred with the MEU commander. I would never put my aircrews or any local citizens in danger by flying an aircraft that I do not believe is safe and ready to fly.”

Most of the 26 crew members were able to escape when the MV-22 went down in the ocean off Queensland but three were lost and later declared dead. – Washington Examiner

Featured image of MV-22 Osprey by US Marine Corps