The Department of Defense announced today the deaths of 13 service members who were supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel.

They died Aug. 26, 2021, as the result of an enemy attack while supporting non-combatant evacuation operations in Kabul, Afghanistan. The incident is under investigation.

The Marine Corps mourns the deaths of our 11 Marines, and joins together in grief with the Navy and Army over the loss of our teammates.

“These fallen heroes answered the call to go into harm’s way to do the honorable work of helping others.  We are proud of their service and deeply saddened by their loss.” – Gen. David H. Berger, Commandant of the Marine Corps.

The Department of Defense announcement can be found here: DOD Identifies Marine Corps, Navy and Army Casualties

Staff Sgt. Darin T. Hoover, Cpl. Hunter Lopez, Cpl. Daegan W. Page, Cpl. Humberto A. Sanchez, Lance Cpl. Jared M. Schmitz, Lance Cpl. David L. Espinoza, Lance Cpl. Rylee J. McCollum, Lance Cpl. Dylan R. Merola, and Lance Cpl. Kareem M. Nikoui were assigned to 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, California. For more information, including photos, media may contact IMEFCOMMSTRAT@USMC.MIL.

Sgt. Nicole L. Gee was assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. For more information, including a photo, media may contact IIMEFCOMMSTRAT@USMC.MIL.

Sgt. Johanny Rosariopichardo was assigned to 5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Naval Support Activity Bahrain. For more information, including a photo, media may contact MARCENTCOMMSTRAT@USMC.MIL.