Pilot Killed In US Military Jet Crash Off Coast Of Japan Was From Florida
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) - The pilot of the F/A-18 who was killed in a collision with a KC-130 during a training exercise off the coast of Japan was from Florida.
The Marine Corps identified the pilot as 28-year old Captain Jahmar F. Resilard from Miramar.
President Trump tweeted, "My thoughts and prayers are with the Marine Corps crew members who were involved in a mid-air collision off the coast of Japan. Thank you to US forces, Japan for their immediate response and rescue efforts."
Resilard's body was found during the search and rescue operation off the coast of Kochi, Japan on December 6th. His was one of two Marines whose bodies were recovered after the accident.
Capt. Resilard graduated from Miramar High School and according to our news partners at The Miami Herald was a member of the civil air patrol.
He received the Navy and Marine Corps achievement medal and the global war on terrorism medal.
"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," said Gov. Rick Scott in a statement.
"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," he concluded.
Resilard, served as an F/A-18 pilot with Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 242 (VMFA(AW)-242), stationed on Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni in Yamaguchi, Japan.
"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. 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," said Lieutenant Colonel James Compton, commanding officer of Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 242, in a statement.
Daniel Arias is a pilot for Spirit Airlines and is best friends with Resilard, who along with his other Miramar High School buddies, all wanted to be pilots.
They all hung out with Jahmar their acknowledged leader.
"He was living his dream. He really was. Ever since I knew him, he had always wanted to be a pilot, a fighter pilot," said Arias.
"He was the most driven person I know."
Arias was there the day Resilard got his Marine aviator wings.
"Outstanding pilot, top of his class and when he graduated from his F-18 training, he told me he got selected to go to Japan."
"I started crying. My parents were home and they started crying, he was like a brother to me."
During his time in the service, Resilard was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and National Defense Service Medal.
