MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP BUTLER, Okinawa, Japan -- Marine Corps Captain James E. Frederick, who ejected from a Marine F/A-18 on Dec. 7, was pronounced deceased after his body was found during search and rescue operations.
Frederick, 32, of Corpus Christi, Texas, served as an F/A-18 pilot with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 115, Marine Aircraft Group 31, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, and deployed to III Marine Expeditionary Force out of Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan.
“I mourn, along with his family and the rest of the Marine Corps, for the loss of Capt. Frederick. We have lost a fine American patriot who volunteered to serve for freedom,” said Lt. Gen. Lawrence Nicholson, Commanding General of III Marine Expeditionary Force. “I want to sincerely thank the Japanese government for the tremendous efforts they made during search operations following the mishap.”
Ocean search and rescue operations included the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, Japanese Coast Guard, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force and U.S. Navy surface ships.
Frederick’s decorations include the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.
As this incident remains under investigation, there is no further information at this time.