ALBANY, NY — Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today directed that flags on all state government buildings be flown at half-staff in honor of Major James M. Brophy of Dutchess County and five other Marines who were killed in a collision between a KC-130 refueling plane and a F/A-18 fighter last Thursday off Japan’s southern coast.
Flags are currently at half-staff in honor of President George H. W. Bush, in conjunction with a federal proclamation, and will be lowered again on Monday, December 31 in honor of the Marines.
“The entire family of New York is saddened by the loss of Maj. James Brophy of Staatsburg and the five other Marines who were killed in an air collision off Japan’s southern coast,” Governor Cuomo said. “These Marines answered the call to serve and stepped up to defend our country and our way of life, and we owe them an eternal debt of gratitude for their service and their sacrifice. On behalf of all New Yorkers, I extend my deepest condolences to their families and loved ones.”
Marines killed after their KC-130 refueling plane collided with a F/A-18 fighter jet were:
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Lt. Col. Kevin R. Herrmann, 38, of New Bern, North Carolina.
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Maj. James M. Brophy, 36, of Staatsburg, New York.
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Staff Sgt. Maximo A. Flores, 27, of Surprise, Arizona.
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Cpl. Daniel E. Baker, 21, of Tremont, Illinois.
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Cpl. William C. Ross, 21, of Hendersonville, Tennessee.