The six Kaneohe Marines that were killed in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan earlier this week have been identified by the Department of Defense. All were assigned to the Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 363, Marine Aircraft Group 24, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force at Kaneohe Bay.
The names of the Marines are as follows:
- Capt. Daniel B. Bartle, 27, of Ferndale, Wash
- Capt. Nathan R. McHone, 29, of Crystal Lake, Ill
- Master Sgt. Travis W. Riddick, 40, of Centerville, Iowa
- Cpl. Jesse W. Stites, 23, of North Beach, Md
- Cpl. Kevin J. Reinhard, 25, of Colonia, N.J
- Cpl. Joseph D. Logan, 22, of Willis, Texas.
Their CH-53D helicopter crashed Thursday in Afghanistan’s southern province of Helmand.
The cause of the latest crash is still being investigated, but a statement issued by the NATO international military coalition said there was no enemy activity in the area when it happened.
German Brig. Gen. Carsten Jacobson, a spokesman for the NATO coalition in Kabul, said officials were looking at a “technical fault” as the possible culprit.
“The helicopter is one of the safest forms of transport,” Jacobson said. He said not only does it protect troops the danger of roadside bombs on the ground, but it is well-tested, well-proven way to travel.
This is yet another tragedy to befall Marines in Afghanistan. This is also multiple times now in the past year the military has had some major problems with their helicopters crashing while not under any sort of enemy fire.
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