Search for Marine Jet Is Called Off
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EL TORO — The search for a Marine Corps pilot and his F/A-18 fighter-attack plane, reported missing two days ago off San Clemente Island, has ended, military officials said Thursday.
“The search was called off late (Wednesday) night and the pilot is presumed dead,” U.S. Marine Master Sgt. Jake Rodrigues said.
The 27-year-old pilot, identified as Lt. Mark A. Gelegan, lost radar contact with air traffic controllers while he was southeast of the island during carrier-landing practice at 9:35 p.m. Tuesday.
Gelegan was from All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 121 based at the El Toro Marine Corps Air Station. His aircraft was assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 101, also based at the El Toro base.
Gelegan, whose hometown was listed as Hanford, Calif., is survived by his wife, Rodrigues said.
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