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2h ago

Marine Killed During Fast‑Rope Training on Okinawa Base

Investigators have opened an inquiry into the death and officials say it intensifies scrutiny of U.S. forces on Okinawa after a recent alleged homicide by another Marine.

U.S. Marines on a training exercise in Japan.
Image
A security guard mans the main entrance to Camp Schwab, a United States military base, on May 31, 2018 in Nago, Okinawa prefecture, Japan. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images)
U.S. Marine Corps fire an M2 .50-caliber machine gun during a weapons exercise at Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 22, 2026.

Overview

  • The training incident occurred on Tuesday, Nov. 3, at Marine Corps Camp Schwab in Nago, Okinawa, and left a Marine mortally injured during fast‑rope operations.
  • The service identified the deceased on Thursday as Lance Cpl. Devin J. Hernandez, a 25‑year‑old combat engineer deployed from 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment under the Unit Deployment Program.
  • Hernandez was transported for medical treatment and later died of his injuries, the 3rd Marine Division said, but officials have not disclosed the specific cause or timeline of his wounds.
  • The division says the circumstances remain under formal investigation and it is withholding further details while it notifies next of kin and gathers facts.
  • The death occurs as local concern and diplomatic pressure over the U.S. military presence grow after an October arrest of another Marine on suspicion of killing a Japanese woman, a case that prompted curfews, discipline measures and protests.