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Marines who drowned when their AAV sank didn't have breathing devices because the Corps canceled the program to cut costs
[Insider] When a Marine Corps assault amphibious vehicle sank off the coast of California last summer, the troops inside did not have any breathing devices. Nine US service members drowned.The embarked service members were not carrying the devices because the Corps made the decision to get rid of them several years ago after assessing that program's $15.9 million cost outweighed concerns about a possible catastrophe, two Corps officials told Insider. Embarked Marines used to carry Waterborne Egress Capability (WEC) breathing systems as a component of their LPU-41 life preservers. In the event that an AAV sank, the bottled breathing devices would provide up to five minutes of air. It is not a lot of time, but it is more than enough time to remove your gear, get your bearings, and take action, a Marine official, a former division commander, said. Troops trying to escape a submerged vehicle can easily find themselves disoriented and struggling with their heavy gear as they desperately fight to reach the surface. A few extra minutes of air beyond what is in their lungs might be the difference between staying alive and dying. Posted by: Besoeker 2021-03-27 |
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