Officials have identified the Marine killed in last Thursday’s surveillance flight crash in the Philippines as Sgt. Jacob M. Durham. He was one of four people aboard the Department of Defense-contracted aircraft that went down in Maguindanao del Sur province while supporting Philippine allies with intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.

All four personnel perished in the crash, according to officials. The three other individuals on board were defense contractors whose identities have not yet been released.

Sgt. Durham, a California native, served as an electronic intelligence/electromagnetic warfare analyst with the 1st Radio Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group. He joined the Marine Corps in January 2021 and was recently promoted to Sergeant on February 1st.

His awards included the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, a Service Medal, a Meritorious Mast, and Naval Aircrew Insignia.

Lt. Col. Mabel B. Annunziata, commanding officer of the 1st Radio Battalion, stated, “We mourn the loss of Sgt. Jacob Durham, who gave his life for our country. Sgt. Durham exemplified the Marine Corps’ highest ideals – demonstrating composure, intelligence, and selfless leadership. He was deeply admired and loved. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and fellow Marines.”

A senior U.S. defense official confirmed the aircraft was a Marine Corps Beechcraft King Air 350. The plane crashed during a routine mission supporting U.S.-Philippine security cooperation, providing surveillance, intelligence, and reconnaissance to the allied nation.

The incident remains under investigation.

Digital’s Greg Norman contributed to this report.