Marine killed during tactical vehicle training exercise at California military base
A U.S. Marine died on Wednesday at Camp Pendleton, San Diego County, during a live, tactical-vehicle training exercise. The incident occurred about 1:45 p.m. local time on base property and involved a vehicle used in the base’s training program overseen by I Marine Expeditionary Force (I MEF).
The service member’s identity has not been released, and officials say the case remains under investigation.
Local officials and lawmakers offered condolences. State Senator Catherine Blakespear, who represents the Pendleton area, described the loss as deeply upsetting and extended sympathies to the family, loved ones, and fellow Marines who are grieving. She noted that Marines routinely put themselves in harm’s way during training to keep the nation safe and pledged to follow the investigation.
Officials stressed the death was not connected to Steel Knight, the base’s ongoing annual training exercise, and that the two events are separate.
Camp Pendleton has experienced other training-related fatalities in recent years, including incidents in 2023 during live-fire and vehicle-training events. Investigations into those cases were conducted by base and service officials at the time.
The investigation into this latest fatality is ongoing, with Marine Corps and base leadership promising to disclose additional details when available.
