Sunday, April 15, 2001

By Mark Oliva, Stars and Stripes

OAK HARBOR, Wash. — The Osborn family won’t have to maintain a vigil in front of the television anymore for the latest news on their son.

Doug and Diane Osborn’s son, Navy Lt. Shane Osborn, is the pilot who landed the EP-3E surveillance plane on China’s Hainan Island after a collision with a Chinese jet.

They are among about 60 family members expected to greet the crew Saturday at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, base officials said.

Bill Osborn, the pilot’s great-uncle, said Doug and Diane were scheduled to fly here with two or three close relatives and planned to stay on the base. Requests for interviews with family members locally were refused.

"It was a very emotional day yesterday," Bill Osborn said Friday morning in a phone interview from his home in Nebraska. "They talked to Shane when he was in Guam for about an hour. I’m sure he’s going to be deluged with hugs. Diane … said she can’t wait."

Bill said Lt. Osborn’s health reports checked out fine, but, "He did mention he was tired. Diane and Doug thought he looked tired on TV."

Navy officials here confirmed all 24 crewmembers would be granted 30 days of leave to begin immediately after their homecoming ceremony Saturday.

Residents in Osborn’s hometown of Norfolk, Neb., are anticipating his return there Tuesday.

"There’s going to be a welcoming party put on by the (Veterans of Foreign Wars) and the American Legion," Bill said. "I think they’ll get to spend an awful lot of time with Shane."

Bill, who has been answering media queries for the family, said Diane had her phone number made unlisted after being bombarded with reporters’ requests.

He also said the last two weeks were emotionally draining.

"We were all so upset and frightened," Bill said. "Then we were all so relieved when he was released. I don’t think our TV went off all day yesterday or the day before."

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