The pilot of an F-16 fighter jet that went missing Monday on a training mission over the Adriatic Sea has been identified as an Air Force Academy graduate.

It said he is Capt. Lucas Gruenther of the 31st Fighter Wing, based at Aviano Air Base in Italy. Gruenther graduated from the academy in 2003, said Meade Warthen, an academy spokesman.

The Air Force said Italian rescue teams recovered debris from the Adriatic that is believed to belong to Gruenther’s F-16, but he remains missing.

The search is continuing.

Spokesman Master Sgt. Michael O’Connor at the 31st Fighter Wing declined to release Gruenther’s age and hometown. The Modesto (Calif.) Bee newspaper has reported Gruenther is from Twain Harte, Calif.

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The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Capt. Lucas Gruenther and his wife. (Courtesy photo/krca.com) Photo by