Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
U.S. Marine pilot from Miramar dies in jet collision
A 28-year-old Miramar man has been identified as one of the U.S. Marines killed in a collision between a F/A-18 Hornet fighter jet and a KC-130 refueling plane off the coast of Japan.
The Marine Corps said Capt. Jahmar Resilard was pronounced dead after his body was found during search and rescue operations off the coast of Kochi, Japan, Thursday.
Resilard is one of two Marines found after the crash that happened around 2 a.m. in Japan, the Marines said in a statement. The other Marine survived and was listed in stable condition.
Five other Marines in the refueling plane involved in the mishap are still missing.
Resilard, served as an F/A-18 pilot stationed on Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni in Yamaguchi, Japan.
“[We] are deeply saddened by the loss of Capt. Jahmar Resilard. He was an effective and dedicated leader who cared for his Marines and fellow fighter pilots with passion. His warm and charismatic nature bound us together and we will miss him terribly,” Lt. Col. James Compton, commanding officer of Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 242, said in a statement.
“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,” he said.
Resilard’s personal decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Global War on Terror-
ism Service Medal, and National Defense Service Medal.
The circumstances of the aircraft mishap are currently under investigation, the Marines said.
Governor Rick Scott issued a statement, Friday, saying he would order the lowering of flags in coming days.
“Ann and I are heartbroken to learn of the death of Floridian and U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Jahmar Resilard,” Scott’s statement read. “Capt. Resilard defended the freedom and democracy of not only the United States but of families in nations across the globe. The loss of Capt. Resilard is a somber reminder of the danger our servicemen and women both home and abroad place themselves in every day to keep us safe.
“The entire State of Florida joins Capt. Resilard’s family in honoring his bravery and legacy of service. While we mourn this tragic loss, I encourage every Florida family to join us this holiday season in praying for peace for the families of Capt. Resilard and the many other courageous military members who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation and freedoms,” the statement read.