The bodies of three US Marines killed in an aircraft crash during a military exercise in the Tiwi Islands have landed at the RAAF base in Darwin.
Major Tobin Lewis, 37, Captain Eleanor LeBeau, 29, and Corporal Spencer Collart, 21, were killed when their Osprey crashed about 9.30am on Sunday.
Their bodies were taken to Royal Darwin Hospital on Tuesday night.
Two other marines remain in a stable condition in the hospital, where all 20 survivors were flown after the crash
One patient who remained in a critical condition was transferred from Darwin to Melbourne's The Alfred Centre hospital in a delicate operation.
Lewis, from Colorado, was the executive officer on board and a highly-decorated Marine, who had served since 2008.
"He had wanted to be a pilot since he was a tiny boy," mum Kathy Lewis told 9News.
"My dad also was a pilot and he would follow him around and help him with his plane."
Collart, who is from Virginia, was the crew chief on board. He enlisted in the Marines in 2020 and was promoted to corporal just this year.
LeBeau entered the marines in 2018 and comes from a military family, with her husband also a marines helicopter pilot.
She was piloting the chopper during the training exercise and is being hailed a hero for saving the lives of the 20 others on board.
"We're very proud of her," mum Victoria LeBeau said in a statement.
"By giving her life, she saved 20 other people."
There is another ceremony set to be conducted with full military honours for the three soldiers before their bodies are repatriated back to the US.
Survivors of the crash took part in a memorial held by the local RSL in Darwin at sunset on Monday, where wreaths were laid and candles lit.
First responders at the crash site, others from the barracks and locals also attended, including Faye Smith, who called the incident "incomprehensible".
"It was just such a terrible tragedy, so many young lives," she said.
Officials have offered their condolences to the families of those affected.
"We are deeply saddened by the loss of three respected and beloved members of the MRF-D family," commanding officer Colonel Brendan Sullivan said.
"Our thoughts and prayers remain with the families and with all involved.
"At present, we remain focused on required support to the ongoing recovery and investigative efforts."
US President Joe Biden said he and wife Dr Jill Biden were praying for the injured.
"Jill and I send our deepest condolences to the families of the Marines who lost their lives in this deadly crash," he said.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his heart and the hearts of all Australians go out to the families of the marines who lost their lives and those injured.
"At a time like this, we reach out to our American brothers and sisters to express our condolences to them, our commitment to continue to work with them," he said.
"This is a difficult time for families, friends and all of the US defence personnel."
Countries with the highest military expenditure in the world
US ambassador to Australia Caroline Kennedy also released a statement yesterday.
"I've spoken with Marine leadership on the ground, and let them know that our embassy and consulates will continue to provide the support and help they and the families need," she said.
"To those who have been injured, we hope you return to good health as soon as possible. Your courage inspires us all."
