Marine Killed In Jet Crash At MCAS Miramar Identified

SAN DIEGO, CA — Officials have publicly identified the U.S. Marine who was killed in a military jet crash last week in San Diego.

Maj. Andrew Mettler was piloting the F/A-18D Hornet that went down during a training flight shortly before midnight Thursday in the eastern reaches of Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Marine Corps officials said. Mettler, who was from Georgia, was assigned to the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing's Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron.

"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," said 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Commanding General Maj. Gen. Scott Benedict.

"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," Benedict added. "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."

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Mettler's decorations included the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal 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.

"As 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, we mourn the loss of one of our brothers who was devoted to the Marine Corps mission, and it is our duty to continue forward in a manner that would reflect his devotion," Benedict said. "Maj. Mettler's legacy will remain with every Marine, Sailor and civilian that he served with, and we have the obligation to continue to uphold the values that he stood for. He will be deeply missed within the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing and among his brothers and sisters at the Fighting Bengals."