The U.S. Navy on Saturday identified the three sailors lost in a Wednesday transport plane crash over the Pacific Ocean.

The Navy on Thursday called off search and rescue efforts.

After notifying the families, the Navy identified the sailors on Saturday as Lt. Steven Combs, airman Matthew Chialastri and airman apprentice Bryan Grosso.

Eight sailors were rescued after a C-2A Greyhound went down en route to the USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier, a ship in the 7th fleet carrying out joint demonstrations with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).

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The JMSDF helped the U.S. Navy in the two-day search and rescue operation, which spanned an area of roughly 1,000 nautical miles, the Navy said.

"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," said Capt. Michael Wosje in a statement.

The Japan-based 7th fleet has had a string of severe incidents this year, including crashes involving the USS Fitzgerald and USS John S. McCain, which killed a combined 17 people.