The stars and stripes flew high outside Myers Funeral Home in Porterville Monday morning, as the casket of Sailor Noah Tobin was loaded into a hearse.
The Special Warfare Boat Operator was based on the East Coast, but was taking part in a parachute training at Porterville Airport mission last week, when witnesses say his chute didn't open, killing him.
Tobin is from Escondido in San Diego County.
"Their son was lost doing what he loves, serving our nation. And I think that's my biggest thought when hearing that he passed," said Greg Meister, the mayor of Porterville.
The community in Porterville rallying around the fallen hero.
"We're going to do everything we can to honor Noah. I'd like to do a banner for him and also sending flowers to the family," said Meister.
Among the crowd that gathered for Tobin's solemn send-off, was Cesar Pena, whose son is also in the Navy.
"It hit home, you know? Things like that, you need to come together as a community and support the family," said Pena.
The hours-long procession was a show of respect for Tobin's valor, before he is laid to rest. His family is planning his funeral for later this week.
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