The Marine Corps pilot who perished on Thursday when his combat aircraft crashed close to a facility in San Diego while he was on a training trip has been recognized by the American military.
According to a statement released by the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing from its headquarters in Cherry Point, North Carolina, Maj. Andrew Mettler was flying a F/A-18D Hornet when it crashed at 11:54 p.m. on Thursday close to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.
At the scene, searchers found Mettler’s body, and the crash is still being investigated.
Mettler, often known as “Simple Jack,” was a native of Georgia who served as a Marine Corps air station officer in Beaufort, South Carolina. He was a captain in his squadron, the Fighting Bengals, and had been commissioned in 2007.
The commanding general of the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, Maj. Gen. Scott Benedict made the following statement: “I had the wonderful distinction of flying in a F/A-18D with Simple Jack & will always remember his talent piloting the Hornet and his wry smile.
The Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and Korea Defense Service Medal are among Mettler’s career honors. He has also been awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and the Afghanistan Campaign Medal.
Government land was mentioned as the accident site, which was located east of the airfield. A substantial portion of the site is vacant ground, located about 10 miles (16 km) north of downtown San Diego.