The Marine pilot killed late Thursday when his F/A-18D Hornet fighter jet crashed close to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar has been recognized as Maj. Andrew Mettler.
A brand new launch from the U.S. Marine Corps mentioned the reason for the crash remains to be underneath investigation. The aircraft was participating in routine coaching as a part of the Marine All-Climate Fighter Assault Squadron 224 when it went down east of the air station.
Mettler was stationed out of Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort in South Carolina, the Marines mentioned, and was a Georgia native.
Mettler joined the Marines in 2007 and obtained many awards over his profession, together with Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Afghanistan Marketing campaign Medal, International Battle on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Korea Protection Service Medal.
“I’m deeply saddened to share the lack of Maj. Andrew ‘Easy Jack’ Mettler, a fellow Marine aviator who was honing his craft as a Hornet pilot and chief in his squadron, the Combating Bengals,” wrote 2nd Marine Plane Wing Commanding Normal Maj. Gen. Scott Benedict.
Benedict wrote that he flew with Mettler in a F/A-18D Hornet fighter jet and “will all the time keep in mind his talent piloting the Hornet and his wry smile.”
“It’s with nice humility,” he wrote, “that I supply my deepest condolences to the household, family members, and buddies of Maj. Andrew Mettler. You stay on the forefront of our ideas and prayers”
Mettler was the one particular person within the jet. San Diego Fireplace-Rescue Division crews responded to the crash web site and despatched a helicopter to help within the search. ABC News reported that scanner visitors indicated Mettler ejected earlier than the jet crashed.
The Marines mentioned Mettler served as a pilot with VMFA(AW)-224, Marine Plane Group 31.
“As 2nd Marine Plane Wing,” Benedict wrote, “we mourn the lack of considered one of our brothers who was dedicated to the Marine Corps mission, and it’s our responsibility to proceed ahead in a way that will mirror his devotion. Maj. Mettler’s legacy will stay with each Marine, Sailor and civilian that he served with, and we now have the duty to proceed to uphold the values that he stood for. “
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