CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (AP) — The Marines say that a member of the Corps killed during a helicopter ropes training exercise was a staff sergeant with an anti-terrorism fleet security team based in the Norfolk, Virginia area.
Col. Jeffrey Kenney said that Marines from Virginia and North Carolina were performing the training on Wednesday at Camp Lejeune when the accident occurred.
He said Staff Sgt. Jonathan Lewis, 31, was a native of Warrenton, Virginia. He said Lewis was inside the helicopter when he was killed.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends and we mourn this tragic loss of life,” said Lt. Col. Jeffrey Kenney U.S.M.C., during a Friday morning news conference. His military occupational specialty was communication, according to 8News sister station WAVY-TV.
Kenney says the training allows them to use rappelling and fast ropes techniques to get into difficult terrain where aircraft may not be able to land.
The Marines say two injured service members remain hospitalized Friday, while nine have been treated and released.
