(ProsperNews.net) – One US Marine died and several were injured during a training exercise on a military base in California. The accident happened at Camp Pendleton in San Diego County when an amphibious combat vehicle (ACV) overturned during drills. Fourteen Marines were involved in the incident, and local media reports that two were evaluated at the scene while the remainder were treated in hospital. Sgt. Matthew K. Bylski, from Royal Oak, Michigan, died at the scene.
Sgt. Bylski served as a vehicle commander and member of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) assigned to Battalion Landing Team 1/5. Col. Sean Dynan, commanding officer of the 15th MEU, said, “Words fail to express our sorrow at the tragic loss of Sgt. Bylski; an outstanding Marine and a leader within his platoon.”
Sgt. Bylksi joined the Marine Corps in 2019 and has received numerous commendations, including Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, a National Defense Service Medal, a Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, and a Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.
The vehicle has a history of similar problems, and a second one recently turned over during water exercises, though nobody was harmed.
Amphibious Combat Vehicles are used to transport equipment from military ships to the shore. They function both as transport vehicles in water and land vehicles for combat. Initially devised by Donald Roebling in 1935, the first armour-plated version was introduced in 1941. It was not originally designed to engage in active combat, but necessity through the Second World War meant it evolved rapidly from transport to warfare.
More than 18,000 ACVs were built during World War II and would continue to play a critical role in subsequent conflicts. They have evolved over the decades to become faster, more adept at negotiating water, and more able to carry increasing numbers of troops and weapons.
Camp Pendleton is the largest Marine Corps base in the Western United States and was established to train American troops for World War II.
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