Wisconsin Pilot Who Died In F-16 Crash Identified

WISCONSIN —The Wisconsin Air National Guard's 115th Fighter Wing identified the pilot who died in an F-16 crash in Michigan's Upper Peninsula on Tuesday, officials said in a news release.

The pilot was identified as Air Force Captain Durwood “Hawk” Jones, 37, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, who is survived by his wife and two children. Jones died in the crash during an evening training flight in Michigan’s Hiawatha National Forest, said Col. Bart Van Roo, the 115th Fighter Wing commander.

Jones joined the Air National Guard in 2011 and graduated from F-16 basic qualification training in 2015. He is a decorated combat veteran, deploying as a part of a United States Pacific Command Theater Support Package to Japan in 2015 and to Korea in 2017. He deployed again in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel to Afghanistan in 2019, the release said.

Jones has been awarded two Air Medal’s with combat “C” devices, which are awarded to individuals who have been personally exposed to hostile action or under significant risk of hostile action. Before joining the military, Jones graduated from Northwestern University with a degree in mathematics in 2005, the release said.

The cause of the accident is under investigation. The family asked to convey their gratitude for the incredible outpouring of love and support from the community.