The Marine who tragically passed away during a surveillance flight crash in the Philippines last Thursday has now been identified as Sgt. Jacob M. Durham, as confirmed by officials.
The incident occurred in the Maguindanao del Sur province where a Department of Defense-contracted aircraft went down while carrying out surveillance activities as requested by the Philippine allies, stated the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.
There were no survivors, officials said, who added that there were four personnel on the plane, including a U.S. military service member.
On Sunday, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command identified Durham as the Marine on the plane. The three contractors have not been identified.
A U.S. military-contracted plane crashed in a rice field, killing all four people on board, on Feb. 6, 2025. (Sam Mala/UGC via AP)
Sgt. Jacob Durham is remembered by Lt. Col. Mabel B. Annunziata, the commanding officer of 1st Radio Battalion, as someone who embodied the core values of the Marine Corps such as composure, intelligence, and selfless leadership. He was held in high regard by his fellow Marines, who deeply respected and cared for him. The thoughts, prayers, and condolences go out to his family, friends, and comrades during this challenging time.
The aircraft involved in the crash was a Marine Corps Beechcraft King Air 350, a senior U.S. defense official told Fox News.
Military officials say the plane crashed during a routine mission in support of U.S.-Philippine security cooperation activities.
Officials added that the aircraft was providing surveillance, intelligence and reconnaissance support for the ally nation.
The cause of the crash is under investigation.
Fox News Digital’s Greg Norman contributed to this report.
