A Marine Corps pilot was killed Monday when his single-seat Hornet fighter jet collided with another Hornet during aerial intercept training over Fort Hunter Liggett, officials said.

A Navy officer, an instructor pilot with the “Rough Riders” of Strike Fighter Squadron 125 flying the second F/A-18C jet, ejected from his aircraft and was in good condition with “very minor” injuries, said Dennis McGrath, a spokesman at Lemoore Naval Air Station.

The Marine officer was identified as 1st Lt. Brian R. Deforge, 25, of Plattsburgh, N.Y., McGrath said. Deforge, who was married, joined the Marine Corps in 2003 after graduating from the Naval Academy.

The crash happened at 11:15 a.m. The two aircraft were destroyed, and fire crews were sent in after the wreckage sparked a blaze in a remote area of the Army post.

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