WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding the Navy-Marines tragedy:
“The Senate mourns the tragedy that we now know took place Thursday off the coast of Southern California.
“According to official reports, nine American servicemembers — eight Marines and one sailor — died during a training exercise.
“These young servicemembers were all between the ages of 19 and 23. It is heartbreaking.
“The units involved are among our most unique and specialized amphibious forces. Their training is what allows them to deploy at a moment’s notice, under the harshest conditions, in the most remote and unsupported locations.
“As the search for survivors turned into a recovery mission, the nation was reminded that even what our men and women in uniform may consider “routine” still involves serious risk and personal sacrifice.
“I extend the Senate’s sympathies to the families of those lost… and our gratitude to the Marine Corps, Navy, and Coast Guard personnel who are searching to bring their comrades home.”