West Florida High Grad One Of Three Sailors Lost In Navy Plane Crash At Sea

November 25, 2017

One of three Navy sailors lost at sea earlier this week was from Pensacola.

Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Apprentice Bryan Grosso was a 2017 graduate of West Florida High School. He joined the Navy immediately after graduation, following in the footsteps of his father.

Grosso, a native of Florida was assigned to Ronald Reagan. His previous duty stations include the Naval Air Technical Training Center in Pensacola, Fla., and the Naval Recruit Training Center in Great Lakes, Ill. His awards include the National Defense Ribbon.

He was aboard a C-2A Greyhound that crashed en route to the USS Ronald Reagan Nov. 22 while operating in the Philippine Sea. The aircraft was carrying 11 crew and passengers at the time. Eight personnel were recovered on scene after the crash by U.S. Navy Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC 12).

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of these Sailors,” said Vice Adm. Phil Sawyer, commander of U.S. Seventh Fleet. “Their service and sacrifice will be lasting in Seventh Fleet and we will continue to stand the watch for them, as they did bravely for all of us.”

USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) led combined search and rescue efforts with units from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). Over the course of two days of continuous search efforts for the Sailors, ships and aircraft covered nearly 1000 square nautical miles.

“The thoughts and prayers of the entire team onboard Ronald Reagan go out to the families and friends of our fallen shipmates,” said Capt. Michael Wosje, Commander, Carrier Air Wing Five (CVW 5). “We are thankful for our professional search and rescue teams and their incredible bravery. The entire Navy team is working together to investigate the cause of this mishap and we will remain focused on our mission to operate forward in a safe and professional manner to ensure peace and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.”

Comments

32 Responses to “West Florida High Grad One Of Three Sailors Lost In Navy Plane Crash At Sea”

  1. JWillia on November 28th, 2017 6:43 am

    To his family & friends: So sorry to hear of the loss of this young man. Thank you for your service to our country and may God watch over your family during this tragic time. RIP B. Grosso, my flag is flying at half mass in your & your shipmates honor

  2. Valerie Cross on November 27th, 2017 8:12 pm

    We are deeply saddened by the loss of your handsome son Bryan. My husband and I also lost our son Ben this last August in a Marine training exercise off the coast of Australia. He was a pilot based in Okinawa. Two other young men died with him that day. We know first had the pain you are confronted with. I pray for peace for your whole family❤️

  3. Nick on November 27th, 2017 3:23 pm

    We used to be real close back at Ransom, we didnt get to talk much in high school but whenever we did we picked up right where we left off. We love you Bryan rest in piece.

  4. Gordon Skinner on November 27th, 2017 2:41 pm

    One of the nicest and funniest people I’ve met at West Florida. Sad to see him gone so soon. Feels like we were just in highschool yesterday. Rest In Peace Bryan. Thank you for your service and my prayers are with your family.

  5. Uncle M HM2 on November 27th, 2017 10:35 am

    Fair winds and following seas Airman Grosso!!

  6. Jan Enfinger on November 26th, 2017 9:55 pm

    I was heartbroken when I heard this news. I had the pleasure of teaching Bryan and his brother Jeff. These two made teaching easy. Bryan was a great student who kept me in smiles with his sense of humor. After meeting his parents, it was evident they all supported each other and were a close family. My deepest sympathies, thoughts and prayers go out to Jeff and his parents. Thank you Bryan for your service. Rest in Peace young man! – Mrs. Enfinger

  7. Melody Boyd on November 26th, 2017 4:22 pm

    I’m so sorry to hear about this young my son was in one of his classes with him at West Florida High Tech he was telling me how nice he were I don’t know this young man but my son spoke very highly of him. I send prayers to family I will keep y’all my prayers. RIH Bryan you will always be in our hearts.

  8. Rhonda Currie on November 26th, 2017 1:20 pm

    I am very sorry for this american hero’s loss to his family and all who knew him . Thank you sir for your service. This is so very sad . Rest in peace with Jesus .

  9. Glenda Newsom on November 26th, 2017 1:03 pm

    I Live in NW Florida and I am a Native of Pensacola, FL My Heart aches so bad for the family and friends of this Young Navy Man, Bryan Grosso who just really got started in his Navy Career! A young man that had a bright future ahead of him! Praying God will wrap his loving arms around this family and give them strength to get through this! Only God knows what our future holds for us!

  10. Pam Childs on November 26th, 2017 10:55 am

    I am extremely thankful for Brian’s service to our country. May God give comfort and peace to his family and friends.

  11. Louis O’Rear on November 26th, 2017 10:24 am

    Grosso was a fine young man. He loved science, and would frequently stop to talk about some recent science in the news on the way out of class. He was on his way to do great things for this country. The Navy, America, and the Cantonment community lost a great son. He will be missed! – - Mr. O

  12. Carolyn Bramblett on November 26th, 2017 9:03 am

    Very sad news. My sympathy to those who knew and loved this young man.

  13. Sally rivera on November 26th, 2017 7:29 am

    May the Lord Bless you and keep you in his loving arms for Eternity .
    We thank you for your service and ultimate sacrifice to our country. Prayers for your broken hearted family and friends

  14. Airforcebratt on November 26th, 2017 7:29 am

    Thank you for your service and sacrifice! Prayers to family and friends and crew!

  15. Jan on November 26th, 2017 6:03 am

    So very sorry for the profound loss to his family, friends and to this country.

  16. Grand Locust on November 26th, 2017 1:45 am

    Prayers to the family for this great loss. Such a wonderful young man doing his duty.

  17. Virginia Beckerman on November 25th, 2017 10:22 pm

    My prayers are with the family! My brother is on board the USS Ronald Reagan, i know this is hard for the family and the entire US Navy ⚓

  18. Julia on November 25th, 2017 8:28 pm

    It’s hard to hear that a fellow Jag has passed. Prayers to his family, blood and military

  19. JB on November 25th, 2017 8:01 pm

    Your son did not die in vain. He has given the ultimate duty to his country. We will remember him forever as the brave sailor and fine young man that he was. Peace be with you.

  20. Faye Laton on November 25th, 2017 5:40 pm

    I’m so sorry for the loss of this young man. He was truly an awesome man and will be missed by all that knew him. Thank you for your service and sacrifice. RIP Bryan.

  21. Mrs. McFarland on November 25th, 2017 5:15 pm

    Sending my thoughts and prayers to your family.

  22. Lori Kaszubinski on November 25th, 2017 5:09 pm

    So sad to hear about this young man with so much ahead of him. From one Navy family to another… our thoughts and prayers are with as you grieve the loss of your son, your hero.

  23. Dale Flowers on November 25th, 2017 4:54 pm

    May God bless and keep you, Airman Grosso.

  24. Sarah Holland-Mumby on November 25th, 2017 4:50 pm

    Heartfelt prayers to this young man’s family. I cannot imagine the pain of losing this brave young man.

  25. Willene & Preston Bryan on November 25th, 2017 4:40 pm

    Prayers for Bryan’s family and friends. We thank Bryan for his service. God bless you all.

  26. Angela Avery on November 25th, 2017 4:24 pm

    This young man was my student with the Escambia Virtual Academy. I was so impressed wirh his impeccable manners and diligence to his school work. He was so excited about joining the Navy and shared his plans wirh me. To his family, I am so sorry for your loss.
    ~Ms. Avery

  27. Donna M Walsh on November 25th, 2017 3:29 pm

    RIP Shipmate You may not have been in theUS Navy for long
    However u’ll be treated like u have
    Fair Winds & following Seas

  28. Jocelyn Peters on November 25th, 2017 2:36 pm

    So very sorry about this. Sending my good thoughts and prayers of comfort and peace to his family and friends.

  29. Cordelia Harrell on November 25th, 2017 2:01 pm

    as one of the first jags. its always hard to hear youve lost underclassmen. tho i never knew you… i appreciate your service and sacrifice for our country. rest in peace

  30. Mrs. Ellis on November 25th, 2017 12:34 pm

    Hearts are heavy for your loved ones and friends that are grieving and left missing you so much. Thank you Bryan, for choosing to serve us and the USA knowing of the perils that you could encounter.

  31. Me... on November 25th, 2017 12:20 pm

    I am so sad to hear this news! Thinking of Bryan’s family and friends during this time

  32. No Excuses on November 25th, 2017 11:57 am

    So sad! Our prayers are with your family, Bryan. Rest in Peace and thank you for your service.