As the U.S. pleaded for their release, Chinese authorities demanded a U.S. apology before they would act to free the military personnel. The Chinese pilot died in the incident. As welcome home celebrations were held for families and friends of crew members, government officials continue to learn more about the details of the incident. Formal communications between the two countries ended April 20 without a plan for China to return the aircraft still on the runway on Hainan Island. Over the past two weeks, officials from the U.S. and China have independently considered their positions concerning the return of the U.S. surveillance craft, and this week, a technical team was flown to the Island to assess the craft.
Video clips Lt.
S hane Osborn thanking his crew for their support. The Crew Members Names of the 24 members of the crew of the EP-3E Aries II electronic surveillance plane. Each is a member of the Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron One, based at Whidbey Island Naval Air Station, Washington. Twenty-two of the crew are Navy, complemented by one Air Force senior airman and one Marine Corps sergeant. Fla. Aviation Electrician's Mate 3rd Class Steven Blocher of Charlotte, N.C. Cryptologic Technician Seaman Bradford Borland , whose home of record was not listed.