Mortar Explodes, 8 Marines Killed

[Kadnine]

We all know training deaths occur, but knowing that doesn't make it any easier to swallow. This was a hard story to get through.

http://news.msn.com/us/nevada-town-mour ... -explosion

... "A Marine Corps official said an explosion at the point of firing in a training exercise could kill or maim anyone in or near the protective mortar pit and could concussively detonate any mortars stored nearby in a phenomenon known as "sympathetic detonation." The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the individual wasn't authorized to speak about an ongoing investigation.

The official said a worldwide moratorium after such an accident is not unusual and would persist until the investigation determines that the weapon did not malfunction in ways that would hurt other Marines or that mortar shells manufactured at the same time as the one involved in the accident were safe.

The official said it would be normal to warn other U.S. military branches that use 60 mm mortars, such as the Army, about the Marines warning. The moratorium could last for weeks or months.

The investigation will focus on whether the Marines followed procedures to properly fire the weapon, or whether there was a malfunction in the firing device or in the explosive mortar shell itself, the official said.
" ...

- Keith

[LCPL_NBREW]

Here's health to you and to our Corps
Which we are proud to serve;
In many a strife we've fought for life
And never lost our nerve;
If the Army and the Navy
Ever look on Heaven's scenes;
They will find the streets are guarded
By UNITED STATES MARINES

[jackalo626]

RIP

[Kadnine]

^^ Yup.

- K

[LCPL_NBREW]

Gone but not forgotten

[Kadnine]

Thank you, LCPL. Nice memorial! Early reports said "8 killed." And as bad as "7 killed" is in reality, I'm actually glad the early figure was incorrect.

A macabre perspective, but that's the business we're in. We Marines put aside petty things like living and dying and attempt to do together what no one can do alone.

It's an honor to serve, and thank you for your contribution.

- Keith