The nine service members killed in a sinking amphibious transport near San Clemente Island Thursday were young men, ages 18 to 23, junior in rank and assigned to the same unit, the Marines said.

Cpl. Wesley Rodd, 23, of Harris, TX, was the oldest. Pfc. Bryan Baltierra, 18, of Corona, the youngest.

All were attached to Bravo Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/4 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. Baltierra had just completed his first year in the Corps, having reported to boot camp in San Diego on July 29, 2019.

On Thursday the 16 troops were returning from training on San Clemente Island, about 70 miles west of San Diego, when their 26-ton assault amphibious vehicle began taking on water. Two other AAVs also had been returning and helped with the rescue.

Read the story: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/military/story/2020-08-03/9-troops-killed-in-marine-amphibious-transport-sinking-ranged-in-age-from-18-23

Latest update: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/military/story/2020-08-04/sunken-marine-amphibious-vehicle-human-remains-found-on-sea-floor-off-san-clemente-island

Contact the reporter: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sd-andrew-dyer-20180708-staff.html