Marine Commander Fired After Deadly Assault Vehicle Accident

A Naval aircrewman looks out of a U.S. Navy helicopter while conducting search and rescue relief operations following an assault amphibious vehicle mishap off the coast of Southern California on July 30, 2020. Lance Cpl. Mackenzie Binion/U.S. Marine Corps via AP

SAN DIEGO—A U.S. Marine Corps commander was fired Tuesday following an investigation into the sinking of an amphibious assault vehicle in the ocean off Southern California that killed nine service members last year.

Col. Christopher J. Bronzi was relieved of command of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit by Lt. Gen. Steven R. Rudder, commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, a statement said.