Marine Corps identifies pilot killed in crash near Twentynine Palms

The pilot flying an F/A-18c fighter jet that crashed this week near the Marine Corps training center in Twentynine Palms has been identified, officials said Saturday.

Maj. Richard Norton, 36, of Arcadia, was killed about 10:30 p.m. Thursday during a training mission near the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, officials said.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation.

Norton, a fighter pilot who joined the Marines in 2005, was stationed at the Marine Corps Air Station in Miramar. He had been deployed to Afghanistan in 2012 and to Japan multiple times, officials said.

He was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.

“My heart goes out to our Marine’s family as we support them through this difficult time,” said Maj. Gen. Mark Wise, commanding general of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing.

soumya.karlamangla@latimes.com

Twitter: @skarlamangla

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