ACCOMACK Co., Va. - The United States Navy identified the officer who died in a Navy E-2D Hawkeye crash Wednesday night.
According to the Navy, Lt. Hyrum Hanlon was assigned to Airborne Command and Control Squadron 120.
He died when the Hawkeye crashed while conducting routine flight operations in the vicinity of Wallops Island and Chincoteague.
Hanlon, who commissioned in the Navy from Arizona State University in May 2017, reported to VAW-120 on January 31, 2021.
"It takes a courageous and patriotic person to devote their life to the selflessness of serving in the armed forces,” said Cmdr. Martin Fentress Jr., Commanding Officer of VAW-120. “Hyrum embodied those characteristics and will be truly missed by his family and the Hawkeye community. We sincerely appreciate the public respecting the family’s privacy during this difficult time as they mourn his loss.”
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin issued the following statement after Hanlon was identified as the victim of the crash:
"The First Lady and I are heartbroken by the passing of Navy Lt. Hyrum Hanlon, who tragically lost his life when a Navy E-2D aircraft operating out of Naval Air Station Norfolk crashed in the vicinity of Chincoteague, Virginia. Our hearts go out to their families, the Naval crew members, as well as the members of Naval Air Force Atlantic. This serves as a reminder that our great servicemen and women risk their lives every day to serve our country."
The names of injured crewmembers will not be released due to privacy concerns.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
