Fighter Sweep
  • Home
  • Military Aviation
  • Air Force
  • Navy
  • Spec Ops
  • Expert Analysis
  • Careers
  • Photos
Home Previous Post Next Post
Follow @fightersweep

Update: USMC Identifies F-18C Pilot From Thursday Fatal Crash

July 30, 2016
FighterSweep Staff 1 Comment Marine Corps, Military Aviation, News

The USMC has released the pilot’s name from Thursday’s single F-18C fatal crash.  The pilot was stationed at MCAS Miramar and flew with the Red Devils of VMFA-232.

The 3rd Marine Air Wing has released the name of the pilot killed. Major Richard Norton, USMC was killed in a single plane F-18C crash late Thursday night.  The crash occurred around 10:30 pm PST at Twentynine Palms, California. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.

Norton, 36, was a pilot with VMFA-232, an F-18C squadron assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 11. The F-18C departed Miramar Thursday night for a close air support (CAS) mission under an Integrated Training Exercise.

“Losing Maj. Norton is a tremendous loss to the MAG-11 Team,” Col. William Swan, MAG-11’s commanding officer, said in the news release. “He was one of the best and brightest Hornet pilots our nation had to offer — our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.”

We echo Col. Swan’s sentiments.  For all of its glory, Naval Aviation is still a tough and dangerous business.

In the coming weeks, USMC officials will analyze as much data as possible in an effort to determine the cause of the mishap–and do the best they can to ensure this type of mishap never happens again.

But first and most importantly, we must remember Major Norton and his sacrifice, along with his family, squadron mates and fellow Marines.

Major "Stranger" Norton, Photo: USMC (released)

Major “Stranger” Norton, Photo: USMC (released)

FighterSweep nation, for those interested in providing monetary support to Major Norton’s family, a donation site has been set up with the Wingman Foundation.  The Norton family has sanctioned the Wingman Foundation to collect donations in his name. You may access the portal directly here.

The Wingman Foundation was founded by three Active Duty Marine Corps aviators in late 2014. They are an all volunteer organization dedicated to honoring the sacrifices of fallen air warriors and to support the families they’ve left behind.

 

 

Related Posts

  • Breaking: Two F/A-18 Hornets Collide; Pilots SafeBreaking: Two F/A-18 Hornets Collide; Pilots Safe
  • USMC F-18C Pilot Laid to Rest at Miramar National CemeteryUSMC F-18C Pilot Laid to Rest at Miramar National Cemetery
  • Breaking: MCAS Miramar F-18C Crashes, Pilot KilledBreaking: MCAS Miramar F-18C Crashes, Pilot Killed
  • Breaking: 2nd USMC F-18C Crash In Less Than a WeekBreaking: 2nd USMC F-18C Crash In Less Than a Week
  • Taj Sareen: A Father’s Love And A Final GiftTaj Sareen: A Father’s Love And A Final Gift

Find Us on Facebook

FighterSweep.com

Sign Up
for the Newsletter

What’s Hot

  • August 23, 2019

    From The Cockpit: Defensive BFM

  • Fighter Pilot Reveals Shocking Chemtrails Facts!
    August 21, 2019

    Fighter Pilot Reveals Shocking Chemtrails Facts!

  • March 14, 2015

    There I Was: The X-Files Edition

Follow Us

Facebook Twitter Twitter

Recent Comments

  • Vicki Fast forward to 2019 where there are dozens of class action lawsuits against [...]
  • Paul James Thanks Vicki
  • Skyler Conklin Not according to those who have actually operated it.
  • Jimmy Crackcorn he was likely chasing Jupiter, as UFOs that don't wish to be seen will turn off [...]

© Copyright 2021 SOFREP Media Group. All Rights Reserved.

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Advertisers