Marines Injured - More than 20 Marines have been injured following an accident Thursday while conducting training aboard the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California.
According to an official press release, 22 Marines and sailors of 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment suffered inhalation related injuries while participating an Integrated Training Exercise 2-15.
The Marines got injured during the exercise when a fire extinguisher system located within their Assault Amphibious Vehicle inadvertently discharged.
Reports indicate that the officials suffered from 'inhalation exposure" while participating in the large-scale, compounded arms exercise.
There were no reported causalities and all of the service members requiring medical attention are being treated at local medical facilities and are listed in stable condition.
Two Marine Corps officers were killed when their helicopter crashed during a training exercise on the same base. The somber incident happened in the Jan. 24.
Capt. Elizabeth Kealey and 1st Lt. Adam Satterfield died from injuries sustained when their UH-1Y Huey helicopter crashed at the Twentynine Palms Marine base.
"According to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing public affairs office, Kealey and Satterfield were assigned to the Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadeon 169, which is stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton. They were reportedly conducting routine flight operations when the tragic crash occurred."
32-year-old Capt. Kealey of Indiana Pennsylvania was commissioned in 2005, she has been honored with several medals and awards for bravery and service. They include- the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with gold star in lieu of second award and the Air Medal with three Strike/Flight awards.
25-year-old 1st Lt. Satterfield, of Oldham, Kentucky, a helicopter pilot, was commissioned in 2011. He has supported Marine-Air-Ground Force training operations in Southern California.
