An 18-year-old Marine recruit died coaching at Camp Pendleton; army officers introduced late Saturday, Oct. 8.
Pfc. 1st Class Javier F. Pong, a recruit at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, was pronounced lifeless at 9:20 p.m. on Sept. 27 at Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton after he collapsed throughout coaching earlier that day. Marine Corps officers stated he grew to become “unconscious and unresponsive” and was taken to the close by naval hospital.
“We're significantly saddened by the premature passing of Pfc. Javier Pong as he pursued his journey to change into a United States Marine,” stated Brig. Gen. Jason Morris, commanding basic, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego. “All of us right here at MCRD San Diego mourn his loss, and lengthen our prayers and heartfelt condolences to his household and pals throughout this tough time.
“We're dedicated to honoring his reminiscence, supporting these with whom he served, and investigating the reason for his dying to make sure we are able to safely remodel civilians into Marines and retain the belief of the American folks,” Morris added.
Jong was from Las Cruces, New Mexico. He graduated from Mayfield Excessive College in Could, in line with a web-based obituary. His dad and mom are Angela Menchaca and Javier F. Pong Sr.
“He liked to hearken to music and spent a few of his time understanding to realize his objective to be a match Marine,” the obituary states.
Navy coaching deaths are sometimes introduced inside about 24 hours. Names are then launched about 24 hours after households have been notified. The Marines’ announcement on Saturday didn't embrace what coaching Pong was doing when he died. Most Marine recruits first prepare at MCRD for 5 weeks after which go to Camp Pendleton for an additional 5 weeks.
MCRD is the Marines’ West Coast coaching depot and trains all Marines who come from areas West of the Mississippi.
An investigation is ongoing and updates might be offered as extra data turns into obtainable, the Marines stated.