Fresno Fighter Pilot Dies in Ukrainian Crash
Share
A Ukrainian fighter jet crashed during a joint exercise with U.S. and other NATO air forces Tuesday, killing both pilots, Ukraine’s military said.
The General Staff of Ukraine’s armed forces said the two-seat Su-27UB went down in the Kmelnitskyi region. It said a rescue team found the jet’s two pilots dead.
“We share in the sorrow felt by Jethro’s loved ones and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends as well as those of the Ukrainian aviator.” — U.S. Air Force Col. Daniel Kelly, commander of the Fresno-based 144th Fighter Wing
The U.S. Air Force confirms that one of the fallen fighter pilots was based in Fresno, Lt. Col. Seth “Jethro” Nehring, with the California Air National Guard’s 194th Fighter Squadron, part of the 144th Fighter Wing.The other pilot was Col. Ivan Petrenko, a Ukrainian service member.
“We are a close-knit family and when a tragedy like this occurs, every member of the 144th Fighter Wing feels it,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Daniel Kelly, commander of the 144th FW in a news release.
“We share in the sorrow felt by Jethro’s loved ones and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends as well as those of the Ukrainian aviator.”
Nehring served in the 144th for more than 20 years. In his career, he served as an enlisted crew chief, and pilot of the F-16 Viper and F-15 Eagle.
Personnel from nine nations are taking part in the Clear Sky 2018 exercises that started in Ukraine on Oct. 8. They include members of a California Air National Guard unit based in Fresno.
(Associated Press contributed to this report.)
Ricardo Lara Deserves Credit for Trying to Solve California’s Home Insurance Crisis
Opinion /
3 hours ago
Mark Gardner on Giants’ 2014 World Series Title, Why Fresno Turns Out Great Players
Sports /
3 hours ago
What the Republican Party Might Look Like if Trump Loses
Opinion /
4 hours ago
Vikings QB McCarthy Needs Surgery on Meniscus Tear in Right Knee
Sports /
4 hours ago
Japan’s Prime Minister Prepares to Step Down. Why, and What’s Next?
World /
4 hours ago
Michigan’s Sherrone Moore Looks Forward to Release of Text Messages in Sign-Stealing Investigation
Sports /
5 hours ago
Latest
Videos
![](https://gvwire.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/14125622/Apartments-damaged-by-falling-missile-debris-injury-several-people-in-Kursk-Russia-on-Tuesday-Aug.-13-2024.-Ukraine-pressed-ahead-with-its-assault-inside-Russian-territory-on-Tuesday-a-week-1024x538.jpg)
World /
1 hour ago
Ukraine’s Surprise Attack Has Forced Russia to Change Plans
![](https://gvwire.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/14092611/020924_FAST_FOOD_UNION_JAH_CM_00739.jpg-1024x576.jpg)
Politics /
2 hours ago
Californians Will Vote on $18 Minimum Wage. Workers Want $25 and More.
![](https://gvwire.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/14101619/041024-Ricardo-Lara-TS-CM-18.jpg-1024x576.jpg)
Opinion /
3 hours ago
Ricardo Lara Deserves Credit for Trying to Solve California’s Home Insurance Crisis
![](https://gvwire.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/13163938/shutterstock_31288807-1024x576.jpg)
Sports /
3 hours ago
Mark Gardner on Giants’ 2014 World Series Title, Why Fresno Turns Out Great Players
![](https://gvwire.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/14103434/Former-President-Donald-Trump-raises-his-fists-at-a-campaign-rally-in-Harrisburg-Pa.-on-July-31-2024.-It-is-rare-in-American-political-history-for-a-single-figure-to-dominate-a-party-as-thoroug-1024x538.jpg)
Opinion /
4 hours ago