Five Marines onboard a downed KC-130 are still missing following a midair collision between the Hercules aircraft and an F/A-18 fighter off the Japanese coast on Dec. 6.
So far, only two Marines have been found during a massive search and rescue operation — both crew of the downed F/A-18.
One was reported to be in fair condition and the other deceased.
Corps officials on Friday identified the deceased Hornet pilot as 28-year-old Capt. Jahmar F. Resilard of Miramar, Florida.
Resilard was an F/A-18 pilot with Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 242 stationed aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni in Yamaguchi, Japan.
“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. His warm and charismatic nature bound us together and we will miss him terribly." Lt. Col. James Compton, the commander of Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 242, said in a command release.
Massive Search operations involving Japanese naval assets, U.S. 7th Fleet and Air Force special operations forces are still underway for the missing KC-130 crew members.
The incident is under investigation.
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Resilard’s decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and National Defense Service Medal.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends,” Compton said.
Shawn Snow is the senior reporter for Marine Corps Times and a Marine Corps veteran.
