Overview
- The Marine was identified on Nov. 5 as Lance Cpl. Devin J. Hernandez, a 25‑year‑old combat engineer who was transported for medical care and later died of injuries sustained during fast‑rope training at Camp Schwab.
- The 3rd Marine Division and III Marine Expeditionary Force have launched an investigation, have withheld some details while they notify next of kin, and said their immediate focus is supporting the family.
- Fast‑roping is an advanced helicopter insertion technique in which troops slide down a thick rope from a hovering aircraft, and Marines at Camp Schwab practice on a rappel tower before progressing to air operations.
- The death comes after an October case in which another Marine was arrested on suspicion of killing a Japanese woman, a series of events that prompted local protests, a temporary curfew for U.S. personnel and added discipline training.
- Hernandez’s unit was deployed from Camp Lejeune under the Unit Deployment Program, and officials and locals will be watching the investigation for possible safety reviews, training changes and effects on U.S.‑Japan base relations.