ST PAUL, Minn. — *The above video first aired on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023.
All United States and Minnesota flags at state buildings will fly at half-staff for the next week to honor Maj. Jeffrey T. Hoernemann, an Andover airman who is missing and presumed dead following a crash off the coast of Japan.
Gov. Tim Walz is ordering the flags be lowered until sunset on Friday, Dec. 15, while also encouraging individuals, businesses and other organizations across the state to participate.
“Major Jeffrey T. Hoernemann was a courageous member of the United States Air Force, dedicating himself to protecting our country,” said Walz in a press release. “Minnesota mourns this tragic loss and recognizes Major Jeffrey Hoernemann for his selfless service to his country. His family, friends, and loved ones are in my thoughts and prayers.”
Air Force Maj. Hoernemann was one of eight people aboard a CV-22 Osprey that crashed off the coast of Japan on Nov. 29. The Air Force said Hoernemann served as a CV-22 instructor pilot and officer in charge of training, assigned to the 21st Special Operations Squadron, 353rd Special Operations Wing, at Yokota Air Base in Japan.
On Thursday, Hoernemann's family released a short text exchange between Jeff and his mother the day the Osprey went down. It is brief, normal, and heartfelt.
"Today is the big day!" Jeff texted. "Headed in to fly now."
"Good luck!" his mom responded. "Please let us know how it goes."
"Will do," Hoernemann promised.
"Love you so much," his mother concluded.
Hoernemann's family also shared a statement about their loss, confirming that his remains have not been located.
“As we mourn, we have hope and faith that Jeff will be found soon. Jeff was proud to have been chosen to fly the CV-22B Osprey. He loved to fly the hybrid aircraft and was never afraid of it. He was very happy when he got the chance to fly full-time with the Air Force. Our hearts go out to the families of Jeff's wingmen, who are also dealing with this tragedy.”
Watch more local news:
Watch the latest local news from the Twin Cities and across Minnesota in our YouTube playlist:
WATCH MORE ON KARE 11+
Download the free KARE 11+ app for Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV and other smart TV platforms to watch more from KARE 11 anytime! The KARE 11+ app includes live streams of all of KARE 11's newscasts. You'll also find on-demand replays of newscasts; the latest from KARE 11 Investigates, Breaking the News and the Land of 10,000 Stories; exclusive programs like Verify and HeartThreads; and Minnesota sports talk from our partners at Locked On Minnesota.
- Add KARE 11+ on Roku here or by searching for KARE 11 in the Roku Channel Store.
- Add KARE 11+ on Fire TV here or by searching for KARE 11 in the Amazon App Store.
- Learn more about the KARE 11+ app for Apple TV in the Apple App Store.
- Learn more about KARE 11+ here.