The U.S. military has identified the Marine Corps pilot who was killed when his combat jet crashed near a San Diego base during a training flight
Maj. Andrew Mettler was piloting an F/A-18D Hornet when it went down at 11:54 p.m. Thursday near Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing said in a statement from its headquarters in Cherry Point, North Carolina.Advertisement
Known as “Simple Jack,” Mettler was a native of Georgia and stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort in South Carolina. He was commissioned in 2007 and was a leader in his squadron, the Fighting Bengals, at the time of his death. “I had the great honor of flying in an F/A-18D with Simple Jack and will always remember his skill piloting the Hornet and his wry smile,” Maj. Gen. Scott Benedict, the commanding general of the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, said in a statement.
Mettler’s career awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Korea Defense Service Medal. The crash site was described as government property east of the air station. The site about 10 miles north of downtown San Diego is an area of largely vacant land.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
US F/A-18 Hornet crash near San Diego leaves Marine Corps pilot deadA Marine Corps pilot was killed when a F/A-18 Hornet crashed late Thursday near San Diego's Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, officials say.
Read more »
Fighter jet pilot killed in crash near Marine Corps Air Station Miramar near San DiegoA pilot was killed Thursday in a F/A-18 Hornet fighter jet crash in a remote part of Marine Corps Air Station Miramar near San Diego.
Read more »
101-year-old retired Marine, San Diego Woman honored at Mr. SoledadShe is a real-life Rosie the Riveter before joining the Marines during World War II. The 101-year-old San Diego woman received the honor she deserved at Mount Soledad.
Read more »
Marine Corps Osprey crash in Australia kills 3 and injures 20, at least 5 criticallyTheV-22 Osprey crashed on a north Australian island Sunday during a multi-nation training exercise, officials said.
Read more »
Denver7 Gives help light up U.S. Marine Corps Memorial in GoldenJust in time for its 46th anniversary, the flags at The U.S. Marine Corps Memorial in Golden were raised and lit up for the world to see once again.
Read more »