U.S.
Camp Lejeune Marine killed in training accident had just been promoted to sergeant
Stars and Stripes
April 20, 2024
Sgt. Colin Arslanbas of Missouri was a reconnaissance Marine assigned to the Maritime Special Purpose Force, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit. (U.S. Marine Corps)
The Marine Corps has identified the Camp Lejeune Marine killed while training Thursday night near the North Carolina coast.
Sgt. Colin Arslanbas of Missouri was a reconnaissance Marine assigned to the Maritime Special Purpose Force, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, the service announced in a news release Saturday.
The accident, which took place just east of Lejeune in Carteret County, remains under investigation, the statement said.
“Words cannot convey our sorrow for the tragic loss of one of our MEU family members,” Col. Todd Mahar, commander of the 24th MEU, said in the release. “The 24th MEU family mourns the loss of an outstanding Marine and leader. We offer our deepest condolences and unwavering support to his family during this most difficult time.”
Arslanbas enlisted on March 16, 2020, and was promoted to sergeant on April 1, the statement said. His decorations include the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and National Defense Service Medal.
The 24th MEU is a unit built of Marine Corps air, ground and logistics forces that can deploy around the globe aboard Navy ships. The unit is part of Lejeune’s II MEF.
Marines from the 24th MEU have spent recent days training with the Navy’s Wasp Amphibious Ready Group in the western Atlantic Ocean, including off North Carolina’s coast, according to recent Marine and Navy social media posts.