The International Security Assistance Force reports that a US Air Force CV-22 Osprey crashed late last night in southern Afghanistan, killing three service members and one civilian employee and injuring numerous other service members. Cause of the crash is unknown, according to the ISAF release, which also noted that the tilt-rotor aircraft had crashed about seven miles west of Qalat City in Zabul Province. Air Force Special Operations Command’s CV-22 force made its combat debut in Southwest Asia last fall.
Air Force Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich assumed command of U.S. European Command on July 1, taking over the key assignment as the U.S. and its allies contend with a resurgent Russia and a grinding war in Ukraine.