SAN DIEGO - Today, Rep. Scott Peters (CA-52) released the following statement regarding the location of the Marine amphibious vehicle near San Clemente Island:

“The events that occurred near San Clemente Island are devastating and tragic: young, devoted service members gone much, much too soon,” Rep. Peters said. “These young men came from different parts of our country in a shared mission to be part of the nation’s first line of defense. Their spirit and unwavering commitment to the Navy and Marine Corps will not be forgotten. My family and I send our love, prayers, and heartfelt condolences to their fellow troops, loved ones, and families.”

The amphibious assault vehicle (AAV) involved in this accident sank last Thursday. Since then, rescue teams had worked tirelessly in deep waters to find the sunken vehicle as well as the remains of other service members who weren’t immediately found at the scene of the accident.  We mourn the loss of the service members named below:

• Cpl Wesley A. Rodd, 23, of Harris, Texas
• Cpl Cesar A. Villanueva, 21, of Riverside, CA
• LCpl Marco A. Barranco, 21, of Montebello, CA
• LCpl Guillermo S. Pérez, 20, of New Braunfels, Texas
• LCpl Chase D. Sweetwood, 19, of Portland, Oregon
• PFC Bryan J. Baltierra, 18, of Corona, CA
• PFC Evan A. Bath, 19, of Oak Creek, Wisconsin
• PFC Jack Ryan Ostrovsky, 21, of Bend, Oregon
• Navy Hospitalman Christopher Gnem, 22, of Stockton, CA