Jacob M. Durham dies in fatal Maguindanao del Sur airplane crash
Fatal Maguindanao del Sur airplane crash death of Jacob M. Durham – Obituary
Sgt. Jacob M. Durham, a 22-year-old Marine from Long Beach, lost his life in an airplane crash on Thursday in Maguindanao del Sur, Philippines. U.S. military officials confirmed his identity on Sunday.
Durham was aboard a UC-12W Beechcraft King Air 350, participating in a routine mission supporting U.S.-Philippine security cooperation efforts. The United States Indo-Pacific Command stated that the aircraft was conducting intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations at the request of Philippine authorities when the crash occurred.
Three additional individuals, identified as contractors, also perished in the incident. Their names have not been released.
Sgt. Durham served as an electronic intelligence-electromagnetic warfare analyst with the 1st Radio Battalion, part of the I Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group. He had been in the Marine Corps since January 2021 and was recently promoted to his current rank on February 1, 2025. His commendations include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Meritorious Mast, and Naval Aircrew Insignia.
Lt. Col. Mabel B. Annunziata, commanding officer of the 1st Radio Battalion, paid tribute to Durham, stating that he exemplified the core values of the Marine Corps through his intelligence, leadership, and dedication. “He was deeply respected and loved by his fellow Marines,” Annunziata said, extending condolences to Durham’s loved ones.
The cause of the crash is currently under investigation.
