By: Elizabeth Dieguez
Posted 2:59 PM, Feb 09, 2025

SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — Marine officials at Camp Pendleton today identified Sgt. Jacob M. Durham as a U.S. Marine involved in a fatal aircraft incident on Feb. 6, in the Philippine Province of Maguindanao del Sur.

Sgt. Durham, a California native, joined the Marine Corps in 2021. He trained as an Electronic Intelligence/Electromagnetic Warfare Analyst with the 1st Radio Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group. He was recently promoted to his current rank on Feb. 1.

Camp Pendleton said Sgt. Durham received multiple awards and decorations for his accomplishments. This includes the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, a Meritorious Mast and Naval Aircrew Insignia.

“We mourn the loss of Sgt. Jacob Durham, who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country,” 1st Radio Battalion Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Mabel B. Annunziata said. “Sgt. Durham embodied the highest traditions of the Marine Corps—exemplifying composure, intelligence, and selfless leadership. He was deeply respected and loved by his fellow Marines. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and his fellow Marines during this profoundly difficult time.”

Authorities say Sgt. Durham was participating in a routine surveillance mission in support of U.S.-Philippine security cooperation activities. The aircraft used is intended to provide intelligence information, surveillance intel and reconnaissance support for Philippine allies.

The cause of the incident is currently under investigation.

Source: 10news.com

From USNI News:

The Marine who died in a Thursday plane crash in the Philippines was an intelligence and electrotonic warfare specialist assigned to a unit in California, the service announced on Sunday.

Sgt. Jacob Durham, 22, was one of four people who died following the crash of a Beechcraft King Air 350 in the Philippine province of Maguindanao del Sur, according to the statement from I Marine Expeditionary Force.

Durham, assigned to 1st Radio Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, I MEF, and three DoD contractors were aboard the aircraft owned by Metrea on “a routine mission in support of U.S.-Philippine security cooperation activities,” reads the statement from I MEF.“The aircraft was providing intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance support at the request of our Philippine allies.”

Originally from Long Beach, Calif., Durham joined the Marine Corps in early 2021 and was promoted to his current rank on Feb. 1.

“We mourn the loss of Sgt. Jacob Durham, who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country,” Lt. Col. Mabel Annunziata, the commanding officer of the Camp Pendleton, Calif.,-based 1st Radio Battalion, said in a statement.

“He was deeply respected and loved by his fellow Marines. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and his fellow Marines during this profoundly difficult time.”

The cause of the crash is under investigation.

Durham and the other contractor’s death comes as the U.S. steps up assistance to the Philippines as disputes between Manila and Beijing over control of features in the South China Sea have intensified over the last several months.