kgw.com photo

Maj. Gregory Young as shown in a photo from the Oregon National Guard.

An F-15 pilot was killed when his plane crashed into the sea off the Oregon Coast during a simulated dog fight. The exact cause of the crash was unknown.

Maj. Gregory D. Young was near the bottom of the altitude limits for the drill -- 1,000 feet -- when he crashed without warning.

Investigators believe Maj. Young would have had only two seconds to react to any problem that may have led to the crash. Flying at about 500 miles per hour, he apparently did not have time to eject.

The Coast Guard found Young's body Tuesday.

More: Crash details

Google Map: Crash location

Read: Air Guard press statement

During a somber news conference, National Guard officials Wednesday described Young as a caring and talented pilot and father who risked his life to defend the freedom Americans enjoy.

Young, 34, lived in St. Helens, Ore.

His superiors described Young as a brave man who loved his job and was one of the best fighter jet pilots in America.

"On behalf of the 142nd Fighter Wing. the Portland Air Base, and the Oregon Air National Guard, I offer my heartfelt condolences to the family of our fallen Airman. He was a very talented young man with many years of dedicated service to the protection of the freedoms we enjoy today," Col. Steven D. Gregg, Commanding Officer of the 142nd Fighter Wing said Wednesday. "He will be deeply missed by our entire Air National Guard family."

Even for the best pilots in the world, the job is always a dangerous one, Brigadier General Dan O'Hollaren emphasized during the news conference. He said flying a combat fighter aircraft requires operating on a "razor's edge."

"You and I go about our daily lives because airmen like Major Young are present on the front lines and are vigilant," O'Hollaren added.

“He was a great person... he had a great demeanor... he had a wonderful sense of humor...” said Air Guard spokeswoman Maj. Misti Mazzia, fighting back tears.

More: "America is free thanks to pilots like Young"

Bio: More about Maj. Young

A memorial service will be planned for Young, who was married with children, but no date has been set.

Skies were mostly clear with some high clouds when the accident occurred about 1:35 p.m. Tuesday.

An Air Guard spokesperson said the pilots are equipped with survival gear, including flairs and a floatation device.

The water temperature at the time of the crash was 58 degrees.

Many Air Guard pilots are also commercial pilots and generally have more hours in the air than active military pilots, Mazzia said.

In July 2004, The two San Diego-based Marine reservists were killed when their FA/18 Hornet collided with another jet over the Columbia River during a routine training exercise.