US Navy Reveals Identities of Servicemembers Killed in Drill

(USNewsMag.com) – On August 31, just days after 13 service members died in Afghanistan, the US Armed Services suffered another loss. Five members of the US Navy died when the MH-60S they were in crashed off the coast of San Diego. The military branch has now identified those who lost their lives in the training exercise.

#USNavy has identified the 5 Sailors killed in an Aug. 31st helicopter crash:

Lt. Bradley A. Foster, 29
Lt. Paul R. Fridley, 28
Naval Air Crewman 2nd Class James P. Buriak, 31
HM2 Sarah F. Burns, 31
HM2 Bailey J. Tucker, 21#HonorTheFallen

MORE: https://t.co/nHtS5DDIg1 pic.twitter.com/qbp01eZL2D

— U.S. Navy (@USNavy) September 5, 2021

Lt. Bradley Foster, 29, lived in Oakhurst, California. His loved ones described him as a loving husband and father. One of his friends told the press the serviceman was an “absolute hero and a great American and a great patriot.” He leaves behind his wife, Beth, and their 1-year-old daughter, Audrey.

Salem, Virginia, is mourning the loss of Naval Air Crewman 2nd Class James “Jimmy” Buriak, 31, who died in the accident. Family and friends describe Jimmy as a hero who saved a swimmer’s life in Guam last year. He’s survived by his wife, Megan, and their 1-year-old son, Caulder.

Pilot Lt. Paul Fridley, 28, of Annandale, Virginia, also perished in the crash and is being remembered as a “man of light.” He reportedly had a smile that brought positivity wherever he went. Paul’s wife Sarah must now navigate life without her loving spouse.

Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Bailey J. Tucker was just starting his life. The 21-year-old was the youngest to pass away in the accident. His loved ones are heartbroken over their sudden loss. Bailey was known for being a hard worker who was a great friend. He left behind his parents, Jill and Jay.

Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Sarah Burns 31, of Seven Park, Maryland, was the only woman to die in the accident. People said Sarah was quiet and polite. Her husband, Lucas, also serves in the Navy.

Those who wish to donate to the families can do so here. Organizers will even distribute the money among the service members’ survivors.