A 22-year-old Marine from Long Beach who had just been promoted to the rank of sergeant was identified as one of four people killed in a plane crash over the Philippines last week, military officials announced Sunday, Feb. 9.

Sgt. Jacob M. Durham, who was an electromagnetic warfare analyst and served with the 1st Radio Battalion at Camp Pendleton, was flying on a routine mission in support of U.S.-Philippine security cooperation activities, officials from the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force said.

“We mourn the loss of Sgt. Jacob Durham, who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country,” said Lt. Col. Mabel B. Annunziata, commanding officer of 1st Radio Battalion. “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.”

The Beechcraft King Air 350  crashed on Feb. 6 in the Philippine Province of Maguindanao del Sur and included three contractors for the Department of Defense, military officials said.

“The aircraft was providing intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance support at the request of our Philippine allies,” Marine officials said.

Durham joined the Marine Corps in January 2021 and had just been promoted to his current rank on Feb. 1.

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

An investigation into the plane crash is ongoing.

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