A group of Marines walk the beach outside the Haleiwa Incident Command Post in Haleiwa, Hawaii, during search efforts for 12 missing Marines, in this handout photo taken January 18, 2016.
REUTERS/U.S. COAST GUARD/PETTY OFFICER 1ST CLASS LEVI READ/HANDOUT VIA REUTERS
Marine Times: Marines fired commander days before deadly helicopter crash in Hawaii
The Marine Corps helicopter squadron reeling from the recent deaths of 12 colleagues saw its commanding officer removed from his job three days prior to the tragedy because senior officials determined he had failed to keep the unit operating at acceptable standards, Marine Corps Times has learned.
Lt. Col. Edward Pavelka was relieved of command Jan. 11, multiple sources confirmed. On Jan. 14, two CH-53E helicopters from Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 463 disappeared over the Pacific Ocean during a nighttime training mission about two miles north of Hawaii's Oahu island, where the aircraft were based.
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WNU Editor: If the commanding officer was fired because he had failed to keep the unit operating at acceptable standards, why then did his senior officers permit these training missions to continue in the first place. My gut is telling me that when this investigation is complete and the final report is finally released .... some careers may end.
To WNU Editor: I have the same gut feeling that you're right!!
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