Marine killed in Philippines plane crash was from Long Beach, officials say
Sgt. Jacob Durham and three defense contractors were conducting a routine surveillance mission on Feb. 6 when the plane they were on crashed, according to military officials.
A Marine who died in a plane crash in the Philippines last week has been identified as a 22-year-old Long Beach native, according to military officials.
Military officials said the Marine and three defense contractors were aboard an aircraft conducting surveillance "at the request of our Philippine allies" on Feb. 6, when it crashed in Maguindanao del Sur, a province in the Southern Philippines. There were no survivors, officials added.
The Marine was identified as Sgt. Jacob Durham of Long Beach. The identities of the defense contractors have yet to be released as authorities work to notify their relatives.
Durham joined the Marine Corps in January 2021 and was trained as an electronic intelligence and electromagnetic warfare analyst, military officials said in a statement.
He was a decorated Marine who'd been awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, a Meritorious Mast and Naval Aircrew Insignia, authorities said.
“We mourn the loss of Sgt. Jacob Durham, who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country,” said Lt. Col. Mabel B. Annunziata, commanding officer of the 1st Radio Battalion. “Sgt. Durham embodied the highest traditions of the Marine Corps — exemplifying composure, intelligence, and selfless leadership."
Durham had also recently been promoted to sergeant on Feb. 1, according to a statement from the Indo-Pacific Command.
"He was deeply respected and loved by his fellow Marines," Annunziata added. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and his fellow Marines during this profoundly difficult time.”
It's not yet clear what caused the plane to crash or who was operating it.
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