Heartbreaking News. Data shows F/A-18 pilot survived for 10 hours on the ocean surface before drowning after KC-130 mid air collision

via Stars and Stripes.

Smartwatch data suggests a Marine Corps pilot who ejected from his F/A-18 Hornet after colliding with a KC-130J tanker last year off the coast of Japan was alive on the surface of the ocean for nearly 10 hours before he drowned.

The heartrate data is included in a command investigation report on the incident, which claimed the life of Capt. Jahmar Resilard, 28, along with five Marines in the tanker. The group flew out of Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni near Hiroshima.

Resilard — referred to as “MP2” by investigators — was wearing a Garmin Fenix 3 smartwatch when he ejected from the fighter jet at 1:44 a.m. on Dec. 6, according to the command investigation report released Sept. 26.

“The data from the watch indicated that MP2’s heart was beating at an average of 86 beats per minute until approximately 1130,” the report states.

“MP2’s Garmin smart watch indicates that MP2 was alive on the surface of the ocean from approximately 0145 until approximately 1130 (nine hours and 45 minutes) in 68 degree Fahrenheit water.”

Story here. 

If this doesn't get you in your feelings or break your heart then you need medical help.

A USMC Aviator was alone in the ocean for hours, hoping and praying for rescue in vain.

Aviation Centric Marine Corps?

I'm not buying but many are so let me ask you this.  Why aren't we at LEAST buying some sea planes that can range out far and conduct rescue operations when the next airplane that goes down is a C-130 with Marines or Soldiers inside?  How about a CH-53K or MV-22 filled to the gill with personnel?

This is unsat and needs to be corrected.  A high tech force that can locate and kill a terrorist in a crowded city but can't rescue it"s people in a wide open ocean?

Sad and pathetic.  Oh and make no mistake ... solutions exist to solve the range and location problem TODAY!