Memorial service honors fallen Marines

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. — First Battalion, Ninth Marine Regiment conducted a private memorial service today for seven Marines killed in a live-fire training incident south of Hawthorne last month.

The service was attended by members of the unit and families of the deceased.

Seven Marines with 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, were killed and eight others were injured after an explosion at Hawthorne Army Depot on March 18.

The names of the fallen Marines are Pfc. Joshua M. Martino, 19, of Clearfield, Pa.; Lance Cpl. David P. Fenn II, 20, of Polk City, Fla.; Lance Cpl. Roger W. Muchnick Jr., 23, of Fairfield, Conn.; Lance Cpl. Joshua C. Taylor, 21, of Marietta, Ohio; Lance Cpl. Mason J. Vanderwork, 21, of Hickory, N.C.; Lance Cpl. William T. Wild IV, 21, of Anne Arundel, Md.; and Corporal Aaron J. Ripperda, 26, of Madison, Ill.

The names of the injured are Pfc. James P. Davies, Pfc. Trent M. Martin, Lance Cpl. Sean J. Burke, Lance Cpl. Douglas L. Hand II, Lance Cpl. Myles E. Harris, Petty Officer 3rd Class Ian S. McClanahan, Sgt. Caleb W. Patton, and Chief Warrant Officer 2 Ryan P. West.

“We send our prayers and condolences to the families of the Marines and sailors who have been killed and injured in this tragic incident,” said Brig. Gen. Jim Lukeman, 2nd Marine Division Commanding General. “Our first priority is to provide them with the support they need during this very difficult time, and we’re doing that right now.”

The cause of the incident remains under investigation. More information will be provided as it becomes available.