Marines and guests attend a memorial service for fallen pilot Major R. Sterling Norton, USMC, with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 232, aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Aug 12.
Major Sterling Norton was laid to rest at Miramar National Cemetery August 12, 2016. His F-18C crashed near Twenty-Nine Palms, CA on July 28, 2016. Norton was a pilot with VMFA 232 (Red Devils) attached to the 3rd Marine Air Wing at Marine Corps Station Miramar, CA.
The F-18C departed Miramar for a close air support (CAS) mission under an Integrated Training Exercise. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.
The video includes footage of: Loading of casket at El Camino Mortuary, memorial service with guest speakers aboard MCAS Miramar, vehicle procession to the cemetery and the funeral service at Miramar National Cemetery.
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. The support from donations directly helps the families the fallen have left behind.
SF! Stranger
Video by Sgt Brytani Wheeler, USMC
Top Photo: Major Sterling “Stranger” Norton, (KGTV ABC10 San Diego)