FLORIDA — A 28-year-old Marine from Florida was killed in the crash between two warplanes off the coast of Japan. 

  • Jahmar Resilard ID'd as Marine killed in plane crash off Japan
  • Resilard from Miramar, Florida
  • Plane crash under investigation

Jahmar F. Resilard, of Miramar, Florida, was pronounced dead after he was found during search and rescue operations off the coast of Kochi, Japan on December 6, military officials said in a Facebook post. 

Resilard is one of two Marines who have been found after an F/A-18 fighter jet collided with a KC-130 refueling plane.  The second person found is listed in fair condition. 

The two aircraft were carrying seven crew members in total, two in the F/A-18 and five others in the KC-130, when they collided and crashed into the sea south of the Muroto Cape on Shikoku island in southwestern Japan. The cause of the crash is under investigation.

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.

“Ann and I are heartbroken to learn of the death of Floridian and U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Jahmar Resilard. As an F/A-18 fighter pilot in the Marine All Weather Attack Squadron 242 stationed on Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni in Yamaguchi, Japan, 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," Governor Scott said in a statement. 

His personal decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and National Defense Service Medal.

"The Bats 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. 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 Lt. Colonel James Compton, commanding officer of Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 242.

The crash is the latest in recent series of accidents involving the U.S. military deployed to and near Japan.

Last month, a U.S. Navy F/A-18 Hornet from the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan crashed into the sea southwest of Japan’s southern island of Okinawa, though its two pilots were rescued safely.

In mid-October, a MH-60 Seahawk also belonging to the Ronald Reagan crashed off the Philippine Sea shortly after takeoff, causing non-fatal injuries to a dozen sailors.