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Marine Corps identifies names of deceased Marines in F/A-18 and KC-130 mishap

18-024 | Dec. 12, 2018

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP BUTLER, Okinawa, Japan – The five U.S. Marines declared deceased after being involved in a 6 December F/A-18 and KC-130 mishap off the coast of Kochi, Japan have been identified.

Deceased are:

Lt. Col. Kevin R. Herrmann, 38, of New Bern, North Carolina.

Maj. James M. Brophy, 36, of Staatsburg, New York.

Staff Sgt. Maximo A. Flores, 27, of Surprise, Arizona.

Cpl. Daniel E. Baker, 21, of Tremont, Illinois.

Cpl. William C. Ross, 21, of Hendersonville, Tennessee.

The deceased were assigned to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 (VMGR-152).

"It is with heavy hearts that we announce the names of our fallen Marines," said U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Mitchell T. Maury, commanding officer of VMGR-152.  "They were exceptional aviators, Marines, and friends whom will be eternally missed.  Our thoughts and prayers remain with their families and loved ones at this extremely difficult time."

Lt. Col. Kevin R. Herrmann served 16 years in the Marine Corps.  His decorations include the Air Medal with twenty-four Strike Flight Awards, two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, and two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. He is survived by his wife and three daughters. He was promoted to the rank of Lt. Col. posthumously.

Maj. James M. Brophy served 12 years in the Marine Corps.  His decorations include the Air Medal with two Strike Flight Awards, one Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and one Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.  He is survived by his wife, son and daughter.

Staff Sgt. Maximo A. Flores served nine years in the Marine Corps.  His decorations include one Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal, and a Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal with one bronze star.  He is survived by his wife.

Cpl. Daniel E. Baker served two years in the Marine Corps.  His decorations include the National Defense Service Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.  He is survived by his mother and father.

Cpl. William C. Ross served two years in the Marine Corps.  His decorations include the National Defense Service Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.  He is survived by his mother and father.

The circumstances of the aircraft mishap are currently under investigation.

The Marine Corps is focused on taking care of our Marines and their families.  One way we ensure families receive everything they need is to keep them personally updated in the aftermath of incidents and to give them time before making the announcement public.  We ask that media please respect their privacy during this challenging time.

Media seeking additional information should contact III Marine Expeditionary Force Public Affairs, Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, Okinawa, Japan, via email: IIIMEFMEDIA@usmc.mil.

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  • III Marine Expeditionary Force Public Affairs
  • IIIMEFMEDIA@usmc.mil