Landon Jones - U.S. Military

Lt. Cmdr. Landon L. Jones, age 35, of Lompoc, California, died on September 22, 2013, as a result of an MH-60S Knighthawk helicopter crash while operating in the central Red Sea.

Landon was assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron Six at Naval Air Station North Island, San Diego, California.

Five crewmen were in the helicopter when it attempted to land on USS William P. Lawrence, a destroyer based out of San Diego. The cause of the crash is under investigation. But it’s believed a large wave caused the deck of the ship to pitch up as the helicopter was touching down, and that it slammed into the deck and rolled into the water.

Three crewmen were rescued. Tragically, two did not survive.

Landon attended the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland beginning in July 1997, and was commissioned as an officer on May 24, 2001. He attended flight training in Pensacola, Florida, and Corpus Christi, Texas. Later assignments took him to San Diego and Japan before he returned to Florida to serve with a helicopter training unit. Stints with Helicopter Maritime Strike Squad in San Diego and Jacksonville, Florida, were followed by assignments with Helicopter Sea Combat Squadrons in San Diego since January 2012.

His awards include Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, three Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, Navy E Reward, National Defense Medal, Global War on Terror Expeditionary Medal, and the Global War on Terror Medal.

Family members stated that Landon wanted to become a fighter pilot since he was a kid. 

Just last week, Landon was asked to become the Operations Officer for the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz.

Landon is described as capable, determined and focused. He never did anything

Saint Bernadette of
Lourdes, pray for Landon
and for his wife and
children who have lost him

halfway.

Friends stated that Landon will never be forgotten.

Landon is survived by many loving friends and relatives including his brother, Nolan Jones; his wife, Theresa; and their two young boys - age 5 and a 2 month old newborn.

Thank you for serving, Landon.

Pray for all who die by misadventure. They are with us one moment and gone the next. Amen.

Pray that Landon is in heaven. Pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.