Camp Lejeune, NC -- This week, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command lost six Marines and one Sailor in a KC-130T crash in LeFlore County, Miss. Family members of those involved have been notified. A diverse and experienced group of professionals and agencies are working through the response process in a four-phased approach:
1. Recovery of the remains and effects and notifications of next of kin
2. Preservation of the accident site and equipment
3. Investigative efforts
4. Clean up and restoration of the site
We owe it to our families to get this process right. Currently, we are not in a position to release the names of our Marines and Sailor out of respect for that process. We hope to be soon.
Our command priority at this time remains caring for and supporting the families and fellow service members affected by this tragedy. We are grateful for the outpouring of support from those in our local communities and across the country. The command is leveraging all of the resources and support tools available through the Marine Corps and U.S. Special Operations command to care for the needs of our families. We ask that you honor and respect the privacy of the families. Offers of condolences and support can be sent through the Care Coalition at MARSOCcares@socom.mil.
We will continue to provide updates as they become available.
Media seeking additional information should contact the MARSOC Public Affairs Officer, Maj. Nicholas Mannweiler via email: nicholas.mannweiler@socom.mil or by phone: (910) 440-0119 or (910) 650-8472. For media seeking information regarding the incident investigation please contact Marine Corps Forces Reserves Public Affairs Officer 2ndLt Stephanie Leguizamon via email: stephanie.leguizaman@usmc.mil or by phone: (504) 697-8308.