Marines killed in vehicle crash during border deployment identified

The Marine Corps has recognized two Marines who have been killed in a automobile accident Tuesday whereas deployed to the U.S.-Mexico border.

Lance Cpl. Albert A. Aguilera, 22, and Lance Cpl. Marcelino M. Gamino, 28, each fight engineers assigned to 1st Fight Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division, have been killed in a crash throughout a convoy motion supporting Joint Process Power Southern Border operations close to Santa Teresa, New Mexico, the first Marine Division stated in a launch Thursday.

A 3rd, unnamed Marine injured within the crash stays in vital situation, in response to the discharge.

The three Marines have been transported to College Medical Hospital in El Paso, Texas, the place Aguilar and Gamino have been pronounced lifeless, officers stated.

“The lack of Lance Cpl. Aguilera and Lance Cpl. Gamino is deeply felt by all of us,” stated U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Tyrone A. Barrion, commanding officer for 1st Fight Engineer Battalion and Process Power Sapper. “I prolong my heartfelt condolences and prayers to the households of our fallen brothers. Our high precedence proper now’s to make sure that their households, and the Marines affected by their passing, are totally supported throughout this troublesome time.”

A local of Riverside, California, Aguilera enlisted in March 2023 and was promoted to lance corporal in Might 2024. Gamino, from Fresno, California, enlisted in Might 2022 and was promoted to lance corporal in August 2024. Gamino deployed to Darwin, Australia, with Marine Rotational Power-Darwin in 2024.

The accident, which occurred about 20 miles from Fort Bliss, is below investigation, officers stated.

The Marines are amongst hundreds of troops deployed to America’s southern border below President Donald Trump’s govt order to bolster border safety. Roughly 7,100 lively obligation troops and 4,600 Nationwide Guard troops below state management are at present assigned to frame operations, in response to The Related Press.