F/A-18 pilot killed in collision identified - Navy News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Navy Times

F/A-18 pilot killed in collision identified

FALLON, Nev. — A Navy pilot killed when two fighter jets collided over Nevada has been identified.

Lt. Jeremy S. Wise of Virginia Beach, Va., died following the collision during a routine training mission Friday between his F/A-18C Hornet and an F-5 Tiger aircraft, the Navy said.

The 28-year-old Wise, a four-year veteran of the Navy, was based at Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia Beach.

Two pilots in the other jet parachuted to safety and were rescued about 50 miles east of Fallon Naval Air Station, where both jets had taken off.

Those pilots, whose names were not released, were released Friday after treatment for minor injuries at a Fallon hospital.

The cause of the crash was under investigation by a Navy team.

The wreckage was scattered over a wide area near the community of Middlegate, about 110 miles east of Reno.

In a statement released by Navy spokesman Mike Maus, Wise’s family said they were proud of the officer’s service.

“We take comfort in knowing that Jeremy was living his life’s dream flying with VFA-15, the Valions,” they wrote. “Everyone Jeremy came into contact with loved and respected him as an outstanding naval aviator and loyal friend.”

Previous story:

F-5 pilots recovering after deadly collision