One Marine Fatally Injured, Another Is Recovering. Five Still Missing

A USMC F/A-18 Hornet and a KC-130 Hercules have collided about 200 miles off the coast of Japan during a refueling exercise, resulting in the fatal injury of at least one of the personnel involved.

In a news release posted on Facebook, the U.S. Marine Corps it could confirm that two Marines have been found. One is in fair condition and the other has been declared deceased by competent medical personnel.

The search and rescue operations continue for the remaining five U.S. Marines who were aboard the KC-130 Hercules and F/A-18 Hornet involved in a mishap about 200 miles off of the coast of Japan around 2:00 a.m. Dec. 6.

The aircraft were conducting routine training and aerial refueling was a part of the training; as to what was taking place when the mishap occurred, that is under investigation.

U.S. 7th Fleet is supporting ongoing search and rescue efforts with a Navy P-8A Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft flying out of Kadena Air Force Base, along with assistance from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and the Japanese Coast Guard. We are thankful for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's, the Japanese Coast Guard's, and the U.S. 7th Fleet's efforts as they continue to respond to the search and rescue operation.

(USMC images)

FMI: www.marines.mil