Matthew Chialastri, Steven Combs, Bryan Grosso - U.S. Military fatalities - Philippine Sea

A terrible tragedy occurred on November 22, 2017. 

A plane carrying 11 crew, passengers and cargo from Japan to the USS Ronald Reagan (aircraft carrier) crashed into the Philippine Sea about 500 nautical miles southeast of Okinawa, Japan. 

Eight people were recovered from the crash. 

Bryan Grosso (L); Steven Combs (Mid); Matthew Chialastri (R)

Tragically, these men died in the accident. 

Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) Airman Matthew Chialastri - from Louisiana, joined the Navy on June 25, 2014. After leaving Recruit Training Command, he began his active duty career with VP-30, a P-8 training squadron, before reporting to duty on USS America (LHA 6), where he served from Dec. 1, 2015 to Oct. 1, 2017. He arrived at Commander Fleet Activities, Yokosuka, Japan (CFAY), and checked into Ronald Reagan’s shore detachment, Reagan Ranch, on Nov. 5, 2017 to begin his preparations to join Ronald Reagan underway. Matthew was a Baton Rouge native and Woodlawn High School graduate. He was a hardworking student who had strong leadership skills and great potential. 

Lt. Steven Combs - from Florida, received his commission through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps program at the University of Colorado in 2011, earning a Bachelor of Science in Finance. In March of 2015, he reported to Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 30, forward-deployed to Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi, Japan. He deployed with Carrier Air Wing Five (CVW) 5 onboard both USS George Washington (CVN 73) and Ronald Reagan, where he served as detachment assistant operations officer and administrative officer. Steven accumulated over 1,200 flight hours and 100 carrier-arrested landings. Steven grew up in Dalton and graduated from St. Joseph Central High School in Pittsfield. Steven was a natural athlete who played soccer, softball and baseball and had a passion for skiing. His actions in landing the plane on water without more fatalities is described as heroic. 

Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Apprentice Bryan Grosso - from Florida, graduated from West Florida High School of Advanced Technology in the spring of 2017 and then reported to Naval Station Great Lakes for recruit training. After graduating boot camp, he attended “A” school in Pensacola, Florida, and received orders to Ronald Reagan. He arrived at CFAY and checked in to Reagan Ranch on Nov. 5, 2017 to begin his preparations to join his first ship underway. Bryan graduated from West Florida High School in 2017. He was a hard-working and capable young man. 

Comrades aboard the USS Ronald Reagan are in mourning over the deaths of their young brothers.

Matthew, Steven and Bryan died as heroes in the service of their country. They will be forever remembered.

The loved ones of Matthew, Steven and Bryan are devastated over their sudden and

Angels of God, pray for Matthew, for Steven and
for Bryan. Pray for those who have lost them.

tragic deaths. They were loved. They did their best. They will be forever mourned.

Tears without number have been shed for these men.

Thank you, Matthew, Steven and Bryan, for your service to America. 

Pray for all who die in the line of duty.

Pray for all who die far from their loved ones.

Pray for all who die suddenly. They are with us one moment and are gone before we can say goodbye.

Pray that Matthew is in Heaven. Pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.

Pray that Steven is in Heaven. Pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.

Pray that Bryan is in Heaven. Pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.