A Royal Marine killed in an explosion in Afghanistan on Thursday has been named as Jason Mackie.
Mne Mackie, 21, from Oxfordshire, was killed instantly when the vehicle he was travelling in was struck by an explosive device in the Basharan area of central Helmand.
A crew mate who was injured in the blast is still receiving medical treatment.
Marine Mackie's family said in a statement: "Jason was one in a billion and will be sorely missed by his family and friends and his partner Vic and her family."
The Ministry of Defence said Marine Mackie, of Armoured Support Group, Royal Marines, was serving as a Viking All Terrain Vehicle Operator in 3rd Armoured Support Troop and was supporting IX Company of the Welsh Guards in the Basharan area of central Helmand at the time of his death.
He was born in Bampton, Oxfordshire, and joined the Royal Marines in June 2007.
After completing his Royal Marine Recruit Training and the Commando Course, he joined 40 Commando Royal Marines based in Taunton where he initially served as a Rifleman.
He then underwent the Armoured Support Operators Course, qualifying him to operate the Viking All Terrain Vehicle.
In September last year he joined the Armoured Support Group Royal Marines and completed pre-deployment training before deploying on operations to Afghanistan in November.
The MoD statement described Marine Mackie as an energetic and highly respected member of the Royal Marines and the Armoured Support Group who loved all sports and was always a central character in the unit's social life.
