2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) is aware that an F/A-18D Hornet belonging to Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA (AW)) 224 crashed in the vicinity of Marine Corps Air Station Miramar at 11:54 p.m. PST.

Search and rescue recovered the U.S. Marine Corps pilot who has been confirmed deceased at the site. The pilot was the only person aboard the aircraft. With a heavy heart, our condolences go to the Marine’s family during this time.

As a matter of policy, identities of service members are not released until 24 hours after all next-of-kin notifications have been completed.

An investigation is underway. All media queries may be directed to the 2nd MAW Organizational Mailbox at 2ndmaw.commstrat@usmc.mil.