The Marine Corps has officially identified the five Marines that went missing off the coast of Japan after an midair collision and have been declared deceased. Search and rescue efforts from both the United States and Japan were unable to locate them and were discontinued on Tuesday.
The Marines were assigned to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 (VMGR-152):
- Col. Kevin R. Herrmann, 38, of New Bern, North Carolina.
- James M. Brophy, 36, of Staatsburg, New York.
- Maximo A. Flores, 27, of Surprise, Arizona.
- Daniel E. Baker, 21, of Tremont, Illinois.
- William C. Ross, 21, of Hendersonville, Tennessee.
"It is with heavy hearts that we announce the names of our fallen Marines," said U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Mitchell T. Maury, commanding officer of Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 (VMGR-152) in a press release. "They were exceptional aviators, Marines, and friends whom will be eternally missed. Our thoughts and prayers remain with their families and loved ones at this extremely difficult time."
Lt. Col. Kevin R. Herrmann served 16 years in the Marine Corps. His decorations include the Air Medal with twenty-four Strike Flight Awards, two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, and two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. He is survived by his wife and three daughters. He was promoted to the rank of Lt. Col. posthumously.
Maj. James M. Brophy served 12 years in the Marine Corps. His decorations include the Air Medal with two Strike Flight Awards, one Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and one Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. He is survived by his wife, son and daughter.
In memory of the Marines from VMGR-152 and VMFA(AW)-242 with @IIIMEF who lost their lives in an aircraft mishap. Semper Fidelis, Marines. pic.twitter.com/SQjSXKdc1M
— U.S. Marines (@USMC) December 12, 2018
Staff Sgt. Maximo A. Flores served nine years in the Marine Corps. His decorations include one Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal, and a Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal with one bronze star. He is survived by his wife.
Cpl. Daniel E. Baker served two years in the Marine Corps. His decorations include the National Defense Service Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. He is survived by his mother and father.
Cpl. William C. Ross served two years in the Marine Corps. His decorations include the National Defense Service Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. He is survived by his mother and father.
Two Marines were initially rescued shortly after the collision, but Captain Jahmar Resilard, an F/A-18 pilot with Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 242 (VMFA(AW)-242), later died from his injuries.