F-15 Pilot from Oregon Guard Identified

The pilot in the F-15 aviation mishap has been identified as Maj. Gregory D. Young of St Helens, Oregon.

Major Greg Young died over the weekend in a jet fighter training exercise off the Oregon Coast Photo: 142nd Fighter Wing

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - The pilot who died over the weekend when his F-15 jet fighter crashed during training exercises has been identified as 34-year old Greg Young.

Search and rescue crews have been conducting an intense search of the area near Cannon Beach.

"On behalf of the 142nd Fighter Wing. the Portland Air Base, and the Oregon Air National Guard, I offer my heartfelt condolences to the family of our fallen Airman. He was a very talented young man with many years of dedicated service to the protection of the freedoms we enjoy today. He will be deeply missed by our entire Air National Guard family" said Col. Steven D. Gregg, Commanding Officer, 142nd Fighter Wing.

Guard officials say a memorial service will be planned, but no date has been set.

The single-seat F-15A jet fighter was lost while on a training mission over the Pacific Ocean on Tuesday, approximately 35 miles west of Cannon Beach, Oregon.

The 142nd Fighter Wing mission is to provide air defense of the Pacific Northwest from the Canadian border to Northern California. A USAF investigation to determine the cause of the mishap is underway.

Statement by Brig. Gen Daniel B. O'Hollaren Commander of the Oregon Air National Guard:

As you know, the 142d Fighter Wing lost of one of our finest yesterday in an F-15 jet fighter mishap over the Pacific Ocean. It is with my deepest regret that I must announce the loss of Maj. Gregory D. Young, 34, from St Helens, Ore. - a highly respected officer, gifted pilot, father, and friend. We ask that your thoughts and prayers be with him and his family. We request that the public respect the family's desire for privacy during their time of grief. The US Coast Guard located Maj Young's remains at approximately 6:10 PM yesterday evening in the aircraft debris field located approximately 35 miles west of Cannon Beach. At the request of Maj Young's family, we delayed our public announcement until this morning to give his family time to notify friends and loved ones in an appropriate manner. Our search has transitioned to a recovery operation. We are working with the US Navy to determine the feasibility of recovering as much of the wreckage as possible. It is my understanding that the ocean is approximately 700-1700 feet deep at the mishap location. As has been reported, the aircraft was destroyed on impact. While the US Coast Guard is on site participating in the recovery, there is the possibly that pieces of the wreckage may was ashore in the coming weeks. I ask the public that if any parts of the aircraft are discovered to please call local authorities immediately and refrain from touching them. Parts of the F-15 are constructed of carbon fiber and can be hazardous if not handled properly. It is critical that we secure as much of the wreckage as possible to assist the Air Force Safety Investigation. We would like to highlight the inter-agency cooperation and professionalism of everyone involved in yesterday's search operation. We were able to bring every asset at our countries disposal to bear in our search for Maj Young. I would especially like to thank the US Coast Guard for their timely response. It is my understanding that their rescue helicopters arrived at the scene of the mishap in less than 30 mins. My heartfelt condolences go out to Maj Young's family for this tragic loss. He was one of our finest – a very talented young man with many years of dedicated service to our country, protection of the freedoms we enjoy today. The 142nd Fighter Wing and the Oregon Air National Guard will deeply miss him.