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USAF major from Riverside among dead in aircraft loss off Japan coast
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earned a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo. In January 2014 he graduated from the Reserve Officer Training Corps program at Cal Poly and began active-duty service, eventually attaining the position of CV-22 aircraft commander and flight commander with the 21st Special Operations Squadron, 353rd Special Operations Wing at Yokota Air Base in Japan. Unrath began his Air Force career as a “developmental engineer, astronautical engineer” at Vandenberg Air Force Base located in California’s Central Coast region, Air Force officials said. “In 2019, he crosstrained to become a pilot and completed Undergraduate Pilot Training at Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi,” according to the Air Force statement. “Upon earning a helicopter track, Luke completed Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training at Fort Novosel flying the TH-1H where he earned the assignment to fly the Air Force Special Operations CV-22B Osprey.” After he completed training in March 2022 at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, it was then that Unrath moved to the Yokota-based 21st Special Operations Squadron as an operational mission pilot for the CV-22B. While in Japan, Unrath rose to the rank of aircraft commander and served as the officer in charge for squadron communications, eventually becoming flight commander. “While assigned to the 21st Special Operations Squadron, Luke served as a Liaison Officer for Special
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Board of Supervisors approves crisis response pilot project
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By City News Service and Staff U.S. Air Force pilot from Riverside was among eight men killed when a CV-22 Osprey crashed while on a training mission off the southern coast of Japan, the U.S. Department of Defense confirmed Tuesday. Maj. Luke A. Unrath, 34, was fatally injured Nov. 29 when the tilt-rotor Osprey plunged into the sea around Yakushima Island. His remains were recovered during a joint rescue and recovery operation conducted by the Air Force, Japan Coast Guard and fishermen, Pentagon officials said. At least three of the eight victims were still unaccounted for, and recovery efforts were ongoing last week. The cause of the crash was under investigation. The specific mission of the Osprey crew wasn’t disclosed, but was described by the Pentagon as routine. It was the first crash involving a CV-22 operated by the Air Force. The aircraft made its debut with the U.S. Marine Corps more than 30 years ago. The tilt-rotor departs and lands in a vertical profile, like a helicopter, but the propulsion units can be redirected forward to enable flying it like a twin-engine fixedwing airplane. It has had a checkered history, with multiple fatal crashes. According to the Air Force Times, the Osprey fleet has come under scrutiny recently for so-called “hard clutch engagements,” in which the aircraft suffer temporarily slips that cause power imbalances in the rotors, making them “lurch dangerously.” According to a statement from the U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command, in 2013 Unrath
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By City News Service
he Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved a $900,000 two-year pilot project intended to improve Riverside County’s teen and young adult crisis response program available via a 211 call center. In a 5-0 vote without comment, the board authorized the Riverside University Health System to utilize the state grant funding to contract with Inland Southern California 211+ for the “Youth Suicide Prevention Reporting & Crisis Response Pilot Program.” “This program is intended to develop and test models for rapid reporting and comprehensive crisis response at the local level related to youth suicide and suicide attempts in those ages 25 and under,” according to an RUHS statement posted to the board’s agenda. The funding will cover the period retroactive to July 1 and ending June 30, 2025. “RUHS will (rely on) 211+ to increase capacity for responding to youth crisis calls through the local Helpline, provide suicide crisis response training to community orgaSee Pilot project Page 23
Westbound 91 Freeway to fully close this week in Corona By City News Service
M Maj. Luke A. Unrath. | Photo courtesy of the U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command
Operations Command-Pacific where his leadership and visionary efforts were critical to the successful coordination and execution of over 20 operations, activities, and investments throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility,” officials said. “Luke was a beloved husband, brother, and son, as well as an incredible leader and devout man of faith who embodied the core values,” Air Force Lt. Col. Tyler Oldham, Unrath’s squadron commander, said in a statement. “His intelligence and work ethic served as examples for the squadron. Luke was a natural leader.
People gravitated toward him and would follow him due to his cool, calm demeanor and high standards. Luke was a fast learner and loved to fly. His steady hands and quick wit paired well and made for a trusted and well-respected aviator.” During his career, Unrath was recognized with the Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Air and Space Commendation Medal, Air and Space Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Award, National Defense Service Medal and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.
otorists were reminded Thursday to steer clear of the westbound Riverside (91) Freeway in Corona during overnight construction work next week that will require a nearly one-mile closure of all westbound lanes on the west end of the city. “To reduce traffic time, motorists traveling westbound are encouraged to avoid the area by using the northbound Corona (71) Expressway to the westbound Pomona (60) Freeway to the southbound Orange (57) Freeway to navigate around the closure,” according to a Riverside County Transportation Commission statement. “Similar to the eastbound 91 full closures that occurred this fall, the westbound 91 closures will allow crews to safely continue construction of support structures and form-work for the new 71/91 connector,” the agency said. “The support structures for the new connector will be approximately 30 feet in height, with more than 200 beams being positioned during these weeknight closures.” The closures are part of the 71/91 Interchange Project, which began in February. The initial nighttime closure is scheduled for 10 p.m. Monday, with all westbound 91 lanes — including Express toll lanes — out of service from the 71 to Green River Road. Westbound motorists on the freeway can still access most exits into downtown Corona before encountering the closure zone. See 91 Freeway Page 24