New York officials are expressing condolences after learning that the crew of the KC-130 aircraft that crashed in Mississippi Monday, killing 16 servicemembers, was based at Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, NY. Federal officials are investigating the crash scene and have not released a cause.
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo tweeted Tuesday: "Saddened to learn the crew of yesterday's Marine Corps crash was based at Stewart ANGB. As we learn more, keep them in your thoughts."
Orange County Executive Steven Neuhas said in a statement, “Orange County mourns the loss of the Marines and the sailor whose lives have been tragically cut short. Members of the military put their lives on the line every day and this accident underscores the dangers and risks that they face. The service members that were lost are true heroes and we extend our deepest condolences to their families.”
Said Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, “Our Armed Forces risk their lives every single day, and this accident exemplifies the risks they take to serve their country. Today we mourn the loss of 16 true heroes and I extend my deepest sympathies to their families and loved ones. May they rest in peace."
Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney of the 18th district, which includes Stewart, said, “This loss is simply devastating. Over the years I have had the privilege of getting to know many of the brave men and women who serve in our armed forces, especially those at Stewart – they are truly American heroes. These folks risk their lives in service of our country and to lose them in such a way is tragic. My prayers are with the Navy Corpsman and the Marines who lost their lives, their loved ones and our entire community – we lost some of our best yesterday. Semper fi.”
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said, “I was devastated to learn about the military plane crash in Mississippi yesterday, and I was heartbroken to hear today that this aircraft belonged to the Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 452 based at Stewart Air National Guard Base. I offer my deepest condolences to the family members, friends, and fellow service members of the 16 members of our military who were on this plane, and I will do everything in my power to make sure we have a thorough investigation into how this tragic accident occurred, and what we can do to prevent it from happening again.”
