Missing TNT, accidental firearm discharge spark separate Marine Corps probes on Okinawa
By MATTHEW M. BURKE AND KEISHI KOJA
STARS AND STRIPES • March 17, 2023
CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa — The Marine Corps says it is investigating a pair of unrelated incidents in which a part containing a small amount of explosive went missing from an attack helicopter and a gate guard inadvertently fired his pistol while on duty.
A device containing about 0.16 ounces of TNT went missing from an AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter Thursday, a spokeswoman for the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing told Stars and Stripes by email Friday. The missing device, an ejection system part, was reported during a post-flight inspection, according to Capt. Tess LaBossiere.
The Viper returned to Marine Corps Air Station Futenma shortly before noon Thursday from a flight off Okinawa’s southern coast, she said. The device measures 1.47 by 1.15 inches and weighs less than 1/10th of one pound.
https://www.stripes.com/branches/marine_corps/2023-03-17/tnt-gun-okinawa-marines-9521141.html
