The Marine Corps fired a two-star general who oversaw a division that experienced a deadly training accident off San Clemente Island in California last summer.
Maj. Gen. Robert Castellvi was relieved of his command following a July 30 amphibious assault vehicle incident that claimed the lives of nine service members with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, a spokesperson for the Marine Corps told the Washington Examiner on Wednesday. The military leader was previously stripped of his role as inspector general of the USMC, a position that entailed overseeing investigations, in May.
The USMC said the decision was made due to Castellvi’s “failure to properly train Marines and sailors.”
MARINES FIRE COMMANDER AFTER INVESTIGATION INTO MASS CASUALTY TRAINING INCIDENT
“The commandant’s decision is part of Maj. Gen. Castellvi’s permanent record and must be considered if he is evaluated for promotion, retention, or roles of responsibility,” he added. “This action typically prevents an officer from being promoted or serving in a role where he/she would be charged with the responsibility of caring for Marines and sailors.”
The amphibious vehicle, which was carrying 16 passengers, was overtaken by water, and the accident was dubbed the worst of its kind in Marine Corps history. The military branch concluded its hunt for seven missing Marines and one missing sailor after over 40 hours of searching. Lance Cpl. Guillermo Perez, 19, was pronounced dead at the scene, while eight other bodies were recovered from the ocean floor.
It was later discovered that the AAV was in a state of disrepair, and the soldiers on board were not adequately prepared to operate the vehicle.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
Two other officers, Lt. Col. Michael Regner and Col. Christopher Bronzi, have since been relieved of their command following the incident.
In March, authorities said they lost “trust and confidence in [Bronzi’s] ability to command.” He has been replaced by Col. Fridrik Fridriksson, who now retains the role of commander of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, which is described as a “Marine Air-Ground Task Force with a strength of about 2,200 personnel.”
