A U.S. Navy sailor was killed and 5 others were injured after a military convoy crash near Camp Pendleton in California.
The crash occurred early in the morning south of Basilone Road, which connects Interstate 5 and Marine Corps Base Camp Pendelton.
The killed sailor’s identity has not been released pending next of kin notification, but Navy officials said the sailors were assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 5.
“For reasons that are still under investigation, the convoy began to slow, causing a chain reaction collision,” CHP stated. “One of the truck trailers was pushed forward into a cab, causing fatal injuries to the driver.”
Navy Region Southwest spokesman Brian O’Rourke told the Tribune the Navy sailor was assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 5 based out of Naval Base Ventura County.
The other injured sailors included three men and two women, all aged in their 20s. Escobar said one of the men suffered serious injuries while the four other sailors suffered minor injuries. The sailors were taken to Camp Pendleton Naval Hospital and Mission Hospital in Orange County for medical treatment.
American Military News
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The crash happened while the sailors were on their way to pick up equipment for a training exercise,
The sailors were en route to Pendleton to pick up equipment for a training exercise, stated Navy Expeditionary Combat Command spokeswoman Lt. Cmdr. Amber Lewis.
Lewis added, “We mourn the loss of our shipmate, our thoughts and prayers are with the sailor’s family.”
The battalion is being provided with grief counseling following the tragic event.
So far in 2021 there have been a number of military personnel killed in helicopter, plane and automobile accidents.
I think your description of personnel is misleading. It may have changed, but the Navy guy would more accurately be identified as a Seabee as all related duties seldom or never would be shipboard. The construction battalion sorta-just wore the uniform but would work onshore. (I could be wrong as I retired 45 years ago.
I believe the accident was caused by inattention of the convoy managers and drivers. Just another Play day!
R Bon, USAF Retired, MSgt