Marines aren\u2019t allowed to blow up a perfectly good bridge in the name of training. So they found a bad one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The aviation ground support unit Marine Wing Support Squadron 373, based out of Miramar, California, <\/b>demolished a hazardous 84-foot-long bridge on a California training ground beginning Jan. 5.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Marines had been conducting a site survey to prepare for training on the island when they learned of the existence of the bridge, according to Marine spokeswoman Capt. Stephanie Leguizamon. For the squadron\u2019s explosive ordnance disposal technicians and engineers, the bridge presented an unusual opportunity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Marines from the unit said the purpose of the demolition was twofold: help fix up a military training area, and practice a skill that could prove useful in war.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The bridge had gotten rusty from the salt-filled air, to the point of being susceptible to collapse, according to Capt. Zach Adler, the squadron\u2019s engineer company commander. The bridge had been the only way for vehicles to access a zone on San Clemente Island<\/a> that is the only place on the West Coast the military can practice ship-to-shore bombardment, Adler said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n