The U.S. Marine who died in a jet crash Thursday night near MCAS Miramar has been identified, military officials said.
Maj. Andrew Mettler was the pilot of the F/A-18 fighter jet when it crashed in a remote part of the base east of Interstate 15, according to U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Hudson Sadler.
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WATCH HEREMettler was stationed on Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, serving as an F/A-18 Hornet pilot with MFA(AW)-224, Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 31, 2nd MAW.
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SIGN UP “I am deeply saddened to share the loss of Maj. Andrew ‘Simple Jack’ Mettler, a fellow Marine aviator who was honing his craft as a Hornet pilot and leader in his squadron, the Fighting Bengals. I had the great honor of flying in an F/A-18D with Simple Jack and will always remember his skill piloting the Hornet and his wry smile. It is with great humility that I offer my deepest condolences to the family, loved ones, and friends of Maj. Andrew Mettler. You remain at the forefront of our thoughts and prayers,” 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Commanding General Maj. Gen. Scott Benedict said in a news release.
Andrew Mettler's father, Mike Mettler, released the following statement to NBC 7 on Saturday:
“My wife and I are devastated by the loss of our Marine Pilot son and our hearts are pouring out for our daughter-in-law and our three grandchildren,” Mike Mettler said.
Mettler was from Georgia and had commissioned in the Marine Corps Nov. 30, 2007. He was a Marine decorated with gold star in lieu of second award, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with gold star in lieu of second award, Navy Unit Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with four bronze stars in lieu of 5th award.
Mettler's body was found on MCAS Miramar Friday morning, according to the Marines.
"Search and rescue recovered the U.S. Marine Corps pilot who has been confirmed deceased at the site," officials said in a news release sent out on Friday by the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. "The pilot was the only person aboard the aircraft. With a heavy heart, our condolences go to the Marine’s family during this time."
It's unknown at this time what may have caused the crash. The aircraft was part of the Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron [VMFA (AW)] 224, officials said Friday.
There are no indications of damage to property on the ground.
San Diego police initially responded to the incident but officials at MCAS Miramar have taken over the investigation.
No other information was available.
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