Staff Sgt. Jonathan E. Lewis, 31, of Fauquier, Va., died on the evening of Sept. 2, when a CH-53E Super Stallion Helicopter belonging to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 464, Marine Aircraft Group 29, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing experienced a hard landing while conducting Helicopter Rope Suspension Techniques (HRST) training in a landing zone at Stone Bay, a satellite training area aboard Camp Lejeune, N. C.

Staff Sgt. Lewis was assigned to Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team (FAST), Company B, Marine Corps Security Forces Regiment, in Yorktown, Va. Lewis joined the Marine Corps in 2006 and served in the communications field as a radio chief.

"We are deeply saddened at the loss of one our students and fellow Marines," said Col. Jeffrey Kenney, officer in charge of the Expeditionary Operations Training Group during the press conference today.  "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends as we all mourn this tragic loss of life."

Throughout his career, Lewis deployed with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, served in Bahrain, and served aboard the USS Rushmore.

"[HRST] requires the highest caliber Marine, with the dedication and courage to take on the challenge as Staff Sgt. Lewis did," Kenney added.

His awards include: the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement medal, two Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation medals, three Marine Corps Good Conduct medals, National Defense Service medal, Iraq Campaign medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary medal, Global War on Terrorism Service medal, Humanitarian Service medal, and three Sea Service ribbons.

II Marine Expeditionary Force stands with Lewis' family in support as we mourn the loss of our brother.