4 Marines killed in accident at Camp Pendleton, Calif.

[EC]

CBS News ‏@CBSNews 3m

JUST IN: Marine Corps says 4 Marines killed in accident at Camp Pendleton, Calif.

Only the tweet, so far.

[EC]

Breaking News ‏@BreakingNews 36s

4 US Marines are killed in an accident at Camp Pendleton involving the detonation of unexploded ordnance on a range - @NBCNews

Still early reports, so pinch of salt for the accuracy.

[flowers]

Prayers up!

[EC]

http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/california/Marines-Killed-Maintenance-Incident-Camp-Pendleton-231808091.html

Four U.S. Marines were killed aboard Camp Pendleton Wednesday morning during a range maintenance operation, base officials confirmed.

According to Camp Pendleton officials, the deadly incident happened around 11 a.m. At this point, few details have been released about what actually occurred.

NBC News reports that a U.S. military official said the incident involved the detonation of some unexploded ordnance on a range at the base.

Officials said the identities of the deceased Marines will be released within 24 hours of the notification of their families.

Brig. Gen. John W. Bullard, Commanding General, Marine Corps Installations West - Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, released the following statement Wednesday:

"We offer our heartfelt prayers and condolences to the families of the Marines lost today in this tragic accident. Our first priority is to provide the families with the support they need during this difficult time."

The cause of the incident is under investigation. Check back for updates on this developing story.



Not excerpted. Look for updates on the link.

[flowers]

Didn't this happen a bit ago at Pendleton?

[EC]

I recall it happening before there - last year? 2010?. Never saw a follow up though - which means sloppy range work, or a CO who's a** is iron plated by those above him.

[DCPatriot]

Only question at this time.....do Special Forces train at Camp Pendleton?

My cynicism is boundless.

[EC]

Only question at this time.....do Special Forces train at Camp Pendleton?

My cynicism is boundless.

They certainly rotate through it. And they do never stop training.

Though if the prelim report is right (big if, we know how often they are wrong) - policing the range is a sh*twork detail you get if you screwed up big time.

[DCPatriot]

They certainly rotate through it. And they do never stop training.

Though if the prelim report is right (big if, we know how often they are wrong) - policing the range is a sh*twork detail you get if you screwed up big time.

Got it, thanks.

You just never know with this bunch.
 

[EC]

It was my first thought too. There have been too many "convenient" accidents recently.

[EC]

The Marines have been identified: http://news.sky.com/story/1169031/marines-killed-at-camp-pendleton-identified

The four Marines killed this week while clearing unexploded ordnance at a base in California were experienced bomb removal technicians - one of the Marine Corps’ most dangerous jobs.

The four were killed on Wednesday morning during a routine sweep to make a range safer for future training exercises at Camp Pendleton in San Diego County.

It is not clear whether the victims were in bomb suits or what equipment they were using, as base officials are not releasing details of the accident until the investigation is completed.

But the victims were all experienced Marines, three of them with a decade or more of experience in the Marine Corps.

The victims have been identified as: Staff Sergeant Mathew R. Marsh, 28, of Long Beach, California, who had been in the Marines since 2003; Sergeant Miguel Ortiz, 27, of Vista, California, a Marine since 2006; Gunnery Sergeant J. Mullins, 31, of Bayou L'Ourse, Louisiana, who joined the corps in 2002 ; and Staff Sergeant Eric W. Summers, 32, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, a veteran who had been in the Marines for 13 years.

Three other people at the base suffered minor injuries.

More at link.

[flowers]

I recall it happening before there - last year? 2010?. Never saw a follow up though - which means sloppy range work, or a CO who's a** is iron plated by those above him.

it happened in NM or CO if my memory serves me today.