News-Info-Alerts

To: ALL

From: Andi Wolos & Bob Necci

(POW-MIA InterNetwork)

Re: 4 Missing Marines Identified

Date: December 22, 1999

United States Marine Corps
Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton, California

RELEASE 99-101
DECEMBER 21, 1999

MEDIA ADVISORY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MARINES’ REMAINS IDENTIFIED

CAMP PENDLETON, CALIF. -- The remains of the last four Marines recovered yesterday by the Navy’s Deep Submergence Unit have been identified.

The remains have been identified as:

• Gunnery Sgt. James P. Paige Jr., 37, an air maintenance mechanic assigned to HMM-166, and a native of Middlesex, N.J.;
• Staff Sgt. William C. Dame, 33, an explosive ordnance disposal technician assigned to MEU Service Support Group 15, and a native of Yuma, Ariz.;
• Staff Sgt. David E. Galloway, 28, a reconnaissance Marine assigned to I MEF Headquarters Group, and a native of Oregon City, Ore.;
• Staff Sgt. Vincent A. Sabasteanski, 34, an infantry unit leader assigned to I MEF Headquarters Group, and a native of Standish, Maine;

Paige, Dame, Galloway, and Sabasteanski died in the CH-46E helicopter mishap December 9 during the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s training for their upcoming six-month deployment.

The remains of Staff Sgt. Jeffrey R.Starling, Cpl. Mark M. Baca, and Petty Officer 1st Class Jay J. Asis were recovered and identified Saturday.

The Navy’s Deep Submergence Unit has overcome tremendous challenges in the search and recovery efforts. Through DSU’s expertise and perseverance they have brought six Marines and one Sailor home and have helped to hopefully bring closure for the families.

The Marines and Sailors of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit will never forget the spirit, courage and bravery of these great men. "We cannot and will not ever replace their presence in our lives, but today we must find strength in their memory and in each other to continue forward and do what they would all want us to do as they shine down upon us," said Col. Richard C. Zilmer, 15th MEU Commanding Officer, during the Memorial Service aboard Camp Pendleton yesterday. "…it now becomes our solemn obligation to preserve the memory and spirit of our lost comrades and re-dedicate our service in their honor."

The Sailor and Marines continue their preparation for the 15th MEU’s deployment in late January.