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Marines Investigate Sabotaging of Parachutes NewsMax.com WiresWASHINGTON – A criminal investigation is under way at Camp Lejeune, N.C., where the Naval Criminal Investigative Service is trying to determine who tampered with at least 13 Marine parachutes, endangering the lives of parachutists. Marines are now inspecting and repacking scores of parachutes across the base, according to Lejeune spokeswoman Lt. Maria Cantu. A separate military accident investigation is under way. The problem was discovered Sept. 21 during the 2nd Transportation Battalion's parachute training operation off a C-17. Five Marines with parachutes connected to static lines jumped from the aircraft. Three of the five "experienced a total malfunction of their main parachutes that required all three jumpers to deploy their reserve parachutes," according to a Camp Lejeune press release. Marine jumpmasters on the aircraft examined the five deployment bags and found three still had the main canopies attached within them. The exercise was immediately suspended, and the jumpmasters unpacked and inspected their main parachutes and determined that the suspension lines had been severed. A subsequent investigation on Sept. 23, revealed nine more parachutes with severed suspension lines, cut in such a way they would not be discovered during a routine inspection. No further problems have been found with the parachutes, but all on base are being inspected and repacked. "The training of aerial delivery personnel as evidenced by the quick reactions of the three jumpers that experienced total malfunctions in conjunction with the aerial delivery personnel on both the aircraft and drop zone averted a near tragedy and are testament to the moral courage we expect of every Marine," said Col. John E. Wissler, 2nd Transportation Support Battalion commanding officer. Copyright 2002 by United Press International. All rights reserved.
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