Pilot And Patriot Is Laid To Rest

TAMPA - A Tampa family laid their 26-year-old son to rest Friday, honoring the sacrifice he made for his country.

"Our son has died with great honor, and this is not bestowed on anyone," said Mehboob Jivanjee, whose son, Ali Jivanjee, died after a midair collision of two F-15C Eagles. "I'm proud he served his country in the best manner and the way he wanted to."

The Pentagon said U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Jivanjee died from injuries after ejecting from his plane during a routine training exercise over the Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday. A second, unidentified pilot parachuted safely after the two $30 million jets collided.

With the help of a fishing vessel, Coast Guard crews found both men after a three-hour search. The pilots were from the 58th Fighter Squadron of the 33rd Fighter Wing at Eglin Air Force Base, and their planes struck each other about 35 miles south of Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida's Panhandle. A safety board investigation is under way.

Following Muslim tradition, a funeral service was held Friday at Sunset Memory Gardens in Thonotosassa. Jivanjee leaves behind his wife, Sara.

"Our son sacrificed his life for the United States," Mehboob Jivanjee said. "His friends, every one of them from the commander to the sergeants - including their wives - showed me how close they were to my son."

Many showed emotion during the graveside ceremony, and expressed their pride and appreciation for the young man's dedication.

"We love America," said his father, whose family moved to Tampa from California three years ago. "I'm proud to be a father and an American. This is our land, and we love America. If I had more sons, I would give them to this country, too."

Jivanjee joined the Air Force in 2004 after graduating with a degree in electrical engineering from the University of California at Los Angeles. He was commissioned as an officer through the ROTC program.

"Since the age of 12, Ali has wanted to fly F-15 fighter jets and serve our country," said his brother, Ibrahim, "and he accomplished this goal in the most honorable ways."

At Eglin, Jivanjee began flying the 32,000-pound F-15C tactical fighter, which can reach an altitude of 65,000 feet and hit speeds up to 1,875 mph. Many of the 522 fighters have been used extensively in the Middle East. The Air Force plans to phase out the F-15C for the new Lockheed Martin F-22.

Eglin officials say the base suspended flights for the weekend, but training exercises will resume Monday.