This page is in Honor and Memory of Lieutenant Colonel Seth “Jethro” Nehring and his impressive USAF career.
Lieutenant Colonel Seth “Jethro” Nehring, 44, a fighter pilot with the California Air National Guard, 194th Fighter Squadron, 144th Fighter Wing, was killed in a training accident, on October 16, 2018, during “Clear Sky 2018,” in the Khmelnytskyi Region, Ukraine. Seth was born on April 27, 1974, in Fresno, CA to Julia Smith and Timothy Nehring. He was a graduate of Clovis High School and remained active in sports, enjoyed swimming and water polo, was a member of the Clovis Judo Club, and continued with various forms of martial arts. He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoyed studying history, and was an Instructor with the NRA. In 1994, he joined the CA ANG, serving with distinction, as an enlisted Crew Chief. Through his hard work and dedication, he was selected for commissioning, and went on to complete Undergraduate Pilot Training. In 1998, he received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Aeronautics/Aviation Science and Technology, at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. With over 20 years as a Fighter Pilot, he achieved more than 2300 Flight Hours, flying the F-16 Falcon, and most recently the F-15 Eagle. He was hand selected to participate in Clear Sky 2018, based on his expertise and superior performance. He died doing what he loved, serving this great nation. He loved flying, and was proud to be a “West Coast Defender.” In his civilian capacity, he was a valued family member, and Pilot with Southwest Airlines