TWENTYNINE PALMS >> A jet fighter pilot killed in a crash during a training exercise in Twentynine Palms on Thursday has been identified as a 36-year-old Arcadia man, the U.S. Marines announced Saturday.
Third Marine Aircraft Wing pilot Maj. Richard “Stranger” Norton died in the F/A-18C Hornet crash, which took place about 10:30 a.m. Thursday near the Marine Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, U.S. Marine Corps officials said in a written statement.
Norton was based out of Third Marine Aircraft Wing based in Miramar. He was a pilot in Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 232, Marine Aircraft Group 11.
Col. William Swan, commanding officer of Marine Aircraft Group 11, offered his thoughts and prayers to Norton’s family.
“Losing Maj. Norton is a tremendous loss to the MAG-11 Team,” he said. “He was one of the best and brightest Hornet pilots our nation had to offer.”
Maj. Mark Wise, commanding general of the Third Marine Aircraft Wing, also offered his condolences to the fallen Marine’s loved ones.
“Me heart goes out to our Marine’s family as we supported them through this difficult time,” said Maj. Gen. Mark Wise,
Norton had taken off from Miramar to conduct close air support as part of a pre-deployment training exercise when the crash occurred, according to the Marine Corps statement. The cause of the crash remained under investigation.
Norton was commissioned in the Marine Corps in March of 2005, officials said.
He deployed to Afghanistan in 2012 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, and he deployed multiple times to Japan, officials said.
He is a recipient of the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, as well as the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with gold star.

PHOTO of Maj. Richard Norton courtesy of the U.S. Marines.