The Marine Corps identified the pilot that was rescued after a midair collision off the coast of Japan but was later pronounced dead shortly after being found as Captain Jahmar F. Resilard.
Originally from Miramar, Florida, Resilard, 28, served as an F/A-18 pilot with Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 242 (VMFA(AW)-242), stationed on Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni in Yamaguchi, Japan, according to the press release.
His personal decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and National Defense Service Medal.
"The Bats are deeply saddened by the loss of Captain Jahmar Resilard. He was an effective and dedicated leader who cared for his Marines and fellow fighter pilots with passion,” said Lt. Col. James Compton, commanding officer of Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 242. “His warm and charismatic nature bound us together and we will miss him terribly. We honor his service and his contribution to the Marine Corps and our great nation. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.”
One other Marine has been rescued, but search and rescue operations are continuing to look for the five Marines who are still missing.
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My thoughts and prayers are with the @USMC crew members who were involved in a mid-air collision off the coast of Japan. Thank you to @USForcesJapan for their immediate response and rescue efforts. Whatever you need, we are here for you. @IIIMEF
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 6, 2018
As Marines, Navy, and Japanese partners continue search and rescue efforts off the coast of Japan for those involved in the tragic aviation mishap last night, we ask that you keep the families in your thoughts and prayers as we investigate.
— Robert B. Neller (@GenRobertNeller) December 6, 2018
This is now the 21st non-combat aviation crash for U.S. military for 2018.
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