Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro said Dec. 13 during the announcement, “The name selection follows the tradition of naming amphibious ships after U.S. Marine Corps battles, early U.S. sailing ships, or legacy names of earlier carriers from World War II.”

“It is an honor for me, and for our nation, to memorialize the Marines, the soldiers and coalition forces that fought valiantly and those that sacrificed their lives during both battles of Fallujah.”

The Second Battle of Fallujah, known as Operation Phantom Fury, was considered to be the bloodiest Iraq War battle, with hundreds of U.S. troops wounded. Today, many of those troops still struggle with physical wounds, post-traumatic stress disorder and taking their lives by suicide.

We want to know what you think of the name. Do you see it as a positive or a negative? Vote below in our poll.

If you have thoughts you agree can be published in a future story in print and online, email them to Marine Corps Times Editor Andrea Scott at ascott@militarytimes.com. Please include your military affiliation, and if a veteran, branch, rank and years served.

Which stop did you hate?

Did you contribute to drinking all the beer in Iceland?

We are in the market for reviews, epic stories and even photos from your favorite Marine Corps MEU stops for a future story.

Submissions can be emailed by Aug. 19 to Marine Corps Editor Andrea Scott at ascott@militarytimes.com, with the consent that they may be used in print and online.

Please include your name, rank, years you served and current hometown.

After one Marine amphibious combat vehicle rolled over in high California surf and one became disabled on July 19, “out of an abundance of caution, the Corps ”paused all amphibious combat vehicle operations.”

On Wednesday it announced that ban lifted on July 22, but that the ACV still is staying off the ocean and surf, for now.

“After initial review of the factors involved” in the incident, Headquarters Marine Corps in Washington determined the vehicle was safe to use in protected waters to sustain “crew proficiency and meet entry-level training requirements,” Headquarters Marine Corps Spokesman Capt. Ryan Bruce told Marine Corps Times in a Wednesday statement.

Video posted by the U.S. Naval Institute shows the vehicles in the choppy white-cap sea conditions that day.

The July 19 incident did not injure any Marines or sailors, the Marine Corps said.

Deputy Commandant for Plans, Policies and Operations Lt. Gen. David J. Furness said that the pause was “the right thing to do.”

“A pause on ACV waterborne operations will give us time to conduct an investigation, learn from this event, and ensure our assault amphibian community remains ready to support our nation,” he said at the time.

Protected waters include the Area 21 and Del Mar Boat Basin on Camp Pendleton, California. Land operations, including live fire ranges, remain authorized, Bruce said Wednesday.

In September 2021 the new vehicle also had a safety pause, which was resolved in January following a towing system modification.

A first deployment for the ship-to-shore connectors, integral to the Corps’ new fighting plan, is scheduled out of California later in 2022, Marine Corps Times previously reported.

Andrea Scott is editor of Marine Corps Times. On Twitter: @_andreascott.

Marine veteran Hershel “Woody” Williams died Wednesday at 3:15 a.m. at the Huntington, West Virginia, Veterans Affairs hospital named after him, according to a statement from his foundation.

“Woody peacefully joined his beloved wife Ruby while surrounded by his family at the VA Medical Center which bears his name,” according to the statement on the foundation’s Facebook page. “Woody’s family would like to express their sincere gratitude for all the love and support.”

Born in 1923 on a dairy farm in Quiet Dell, West Virginia, Williams was the youngest of 11 children, according to the Weirton, West Virginia, Daily Times.

Initially disqualified for being too short, Williams enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1943, according to his biography. The demolition sergeant landed on Iwo Jima on Feb. 21, 1945, with 1st Battalion, 21st Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division.

Two days later, on Feb. 23, 1945, he famously destroyed enemy emplacements with a flamethrower, going forward alone into machinegun fire, covered only by four riflemen.

His citation states, “he fought desperately for 4 hours under terrific enemy small-arms fire and repeatedly returned to his own lines to prepare demolition charges and obtain serviced flamethrowers,” before wiping out one enemy position after another.

On one occasion, he “daringly mounted a pillbox to insert the nozzle of his flamethrower through the air vent,” which killed all enemy occupants and silenced its gun.

Williams received the Medal of Honor from President Harry S. Truman at the White House in October 1945 for “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty.”

He retired after serving 20 years in the Corps and reserves, according to his foundation’s website. Following World War II, he worked for the VA for 33 years as a veterans service representative.

He had a special place in his heart for supporting Gold Star Families, an affinity which started at the beginning of World War II. While he was delivering Western Union telegrams containing the news of the loss of a loved one, he developed a deep understanding of the sacrifice of “those lost serving in the military for their country.”

With his foundation, Williams established more than 100 Gold Star Families memorial monuments across the United States, with 72 more on the way, according to his foundation’s website.

In 2020, the war hero got to see a Navy expeditionary mobile base ― the USNS Hershel “Woody” Williams ― commissioned in his honor.

He said at the time, “May all those who serve aboard this ship that bears my name be safe and proud. May she have God’s blessings for a long life of service to America, the greatest country on Earth.”

Sen. Joe Manchin, D-West Virginia, said in a Wednesday statement that Williams was “the embodiment of a true American hero.”

“Last Sunday, I was honored to visit with Woody one last time,” Manchin said. “We called VA Secretary Denis McDonough so he could thank Woody directly for his unparalleled service to our nation. In true Woody fashion, he wanted to discuss the importance of completing the Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery in Dunbar ― his most recent Veterans project ― to ensure that the families of our fallen soldiers and Veterans have a safe place to lay their loved ones to rest, protected from the weather throughout the year.”

Details about memorial services and a funeral are not yet available, according to a statement on his foundation’s Facebook page. City flags in Huntington, West Virginia, will be flown at half mast to honor the Marine veteran.

Correspondence and condolences may be sent to the Woody Williams Foundation at 12123 Shelbyville Road, Suite 100, Louisville, Kentucky, 40243.

“Woody’s wish is that people continue to carry on his mission,” the foundation’s statement said.

Andrea Scott is editor of Marine Corps Times. On Twitter: @_andreascott.

The tilt-rotor aircraft, which lands vertically like a helicopter but flies more similarly to an airplane, went down near Glamis, California, about 115 miles east of San Diego and 50 miles from Yuma, Arizona.

Now, 24 hours after next-of-kin notification, the Marine Corps has identified the Marines ― all assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor (VMM) Squadron 364, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing.

They were based in Camp Pendleton, California, the Marine Corps said in a Friday statement.

Cpl. Nathan E. Carlson, 21, of Winnebago, Illinois, was a tilt-rotor crew chief.

His personal awards include the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, according to the Marine Corps.

He served as a United States Marine for three years.

Capt. Nicholas P. Losapio, 31, of Rockingham, New Hampshire, was an MV-22B pilot.

His personal awards include the Air Medal with Strike/Flight numeral 2, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.

He served as a United States Marine for eight years and nine months.

Cpl. Seth D. Rasmuson, 21, of Johnson, Wyoming, was a tilt-rotor crew chief.

His personal awards include the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.

He served as a United States Marine for three years and two months.

Capt. John J. Sax, 33, of Placer, California, was an MV-22B pilot.

His personal awards include the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and a Letter of Appreciation.

He served as a United States Marine for five years and eight months, according to the Corps.

Lance Cpl. Evan A. Strickland, 19, of Valencia, New Mexico, a tilt-rotor crew chief.

His personal awards include the National Defense Service Medal and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

He served as a United States Marine for one year and seven months.

“It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the loss of five Marines from the Purple Fox family,” Lt. Col. John C. Miller, commanding officer of VMM-364 said in a Friday statement. “This is an extremely difficult time for VMM-364 and it is hard to express the impact that this loss has had on our squadron and its families.

“We appreciate all the prayers and support from the strong extended Purple Fox family and want them to know that more information will be forthcoming on how to help.”

At the time of the mishap, the MV-22B Osprey and crew were conducting routine flight training, the Marine Corps said.

The mishap is currently under investigation.

In March, four Marines were killed in Norway when an Osprey crashed in the Arctic Circle while participating in NATO exercise Cold Response.

Andrea Scott is editor of Marine Corps Times. On Twitter: @_andreascott.

The aircraft belonged to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing based at Camp Pendleton, California. It went down at 12:25 p.m. during training, said Maj. Mason Englehart, spokesman for the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, an aviation unit headquartered at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, San Diego, about 115 miles west of the crash site near the community of Glamis, California.

Maj. Gen. Bradford J. Gering, commanding general of 3rd MAW, said in a Thursday statement, “We mourn the loss of our Marines in this tragic mishap. Our hearts go out to their families and friends as they cope with this tragedy.”

Per its policy, the Marine Corps will not release the identities of the deceased service members until 24-hours after all next-of-kin notifications have been completed.

An investigation into the incident has started, the Marine Corps confirmed in a Thursday press release. Equipment recovery efforts are underway.

“While military service is inherently dangerous, the loss of life is always difficult,” 1st Lt. Duane Kampa said in Thursday’s press release. “3rd Marine Aircraft Wing is committed to providing support to the families, friends, and fellow service members of the fallen Marines.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Andrea Scott is editor of Marine Corps Times. On Twitter: @_andreascott.

Irma Garcia, 48, died attempting to use her own body to protect students in her fourth grade classroom, her son, Pfc. Cristian Garcia, told NBC News on Wednesday. A friend in law enforcement reportedly told the Marine his mother was seen heroically shielding her students.

Nineteen children were massacred by a lone gunman ― barricaded in the classroom 23-year veteran teacher Irma Garcia shared with co-teacher Eva Mireles, 44, who also was killed.

On Thursday morning, the Marine’s father, Joe Garcia ― Irma Garcia’s grieving high school sweetheart and husband of more than 24 years ― dropped flowers off at her memorial. It wasn’t long after that he himself died, perhaps of a broken heart.

He “pretty much just fell over” and had a heart attack after returning home, nephew John Martinez told The New York Times.

The Marine Corps community must rally around Pfc. Cristian Garcia amid these overwhelming losses, said Uvalde, Texas, resident and Marine veteran Layla Martinez.

“This is a Marine Corps brother, yet his family is in total shambles right now,” she told Marine Corps Times in a Thursday phone call. “We’ve had a tragic loss in our Marine Corps family. … I want him to know that we are here for him. We’re not abandoning him.”

Reserve Marine Pfc. Cristian Garcia, 23, is an admin clerk with 4th Recon Battalion out of Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, the Marine Corps said.

He just graduated boot camp in October 2021, according to his mother’s Facebook page.

Pfc. Cristian Garcia did not have a comment at this time.

Tuesday’s rampage was the nation’s deadliest school shooting since Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, where 20 students and six adults were shot and killed in 2012.

In Uvalde, Texas ― a largely Hispanic town of 15,000 some residents about 75 miles from the Mexican border ― alleged 18-year-old gunman Salvador Ramos was inside the elementary school classroom for more than an hour before he was killed in a shootout, authorities said Thursday.

The motive for the rampage remains under investigation, with authorities saying Thursday night the alleged gunman had no known criminal or mental health history, though there were some warning signs.

Martinez, who served in the Marine Corps from 2005–2009 as an air delivery specialist and got out as a lance corporal, said she and other veterans in town already have been discussing how they can bolster a safe presence on school grounds when classes start again in the fall.

“We do care about our community and the children,” she said.

The registered nurse, who returned to Uvalde, Texas, after her time in the Marine Corps, says she has friends who lost children and grandchildren in the shooting and that her heart goes out to Pfc. Cristian Garcia.

“I could never imagine having to go through something like this and then losing my father on top of it,” she said. “And now my siblings are without their mom and dad. He’s going to have to take that role. That would be a lot, especially at his young age. I want him to know our Marine Corps family is there for him and he knows we’re here for him.”

Maj. Jim Stenger, Marine Corps spokesman, said, “I offer my sincerest condolences to any Marine who may have been affected by this tragedy. I am confident the Marines ― veterans in the community and back at the unit ― will rally around the grieving as they mourn their loved ones.”

Irma Garcia loved to “BBQ with [her] husband, listen to music, and take country cruises to Concan,” according to her page on the school’s website.

Irma and Joe Garcia shared four children: Pfc. Cristian Garcia at the top, followed by brother, Jose, who attends Texas State University. Lyliana just finished sophomore year of high school, and Alysandra just finished seventh grade.

A GoFundMe account for the family had raised more than $1.6 million as of Thursday evening, with another, now closed, fundraiser garnering more than $500,000.

San Antonio Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller will hold a Mass on Thursday evening at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Uvalde, Texas, for the Garcia family and the wider community, the archdiocese said.

A 3 p.m. visitation and 7 p.m. recitation of the rosary for Irma Garcia will take place Tuesday at Rushing-Estes-Knowles Mortuary in Uvalde, Texas, according to an online obituary.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday at 10 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, followed by interment at Hillcrest Cemetery in Uvalde, Texas.

Nephew John Martinez told The Washington Post on Wednesday that he wanted Irma Garcia “to be remembered as someone who sacrificed her life and put her life on the line for her kids.”

“They weren’t just her students. Those were her kids, and she put her life on the line, she lost her life to protect them. That’s the type of person she was.”

The students killed were Nevaeh Bravo, 10, Jacklyn Cazares, 9, Makenna Lee Elrod, 10, Jose Flores, 10, Ellie Garcia, 9, Uziyah Garcia, 10, Amerie Jo Garza, 10, Jayce Luevanos, 10, Tess Mata, 10, Miranda Mathis, 11, Xavier Lopez, 10, Alithia Ramirez, 10, Annabell Rodriguez, 10, Maite Rodriguez, 10, Alexandria “Lexi” Rubio, 10, Layla Salazar, 10, Jailah Nicole Silguero, 10, Eliahana Cruz Torres, 10 and Rojelio Torres, 10.

Stefanie Dazio of The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Born Dec. 20, 1937, in Caledonia, Arkansas, Canley was 84 years old. He had enlisted in the Corps in 1953 and retired as a sergeant major in 1981, with three deployments to Vietnam.

He died in Bend, Oregon, with his family at his side, the Corps said Thursday in a press release.

Canley received the Medal of Honor in October 2018 from then-President Donald Trump, after a separate decade-long battle: one with the Pentagon’s red tape to approve his award.

Canley originally was awarded the Navy Cross for 1968 actions at Hue City, Vietnam, Marine Corps Times previously reported. In 2005, there was a push to have his medal upgraded ― and for 13 years the Marines leading the effort were hit with setbacks and bureaucratic delays until he finally received his recognition, 50 years after his bloody street battles in Vietnam.

In 1968 in Hue City, Canley had been serving as company gunnery sergeant for Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment. Canley and his Marines “fought off multiple attacks” while patrolling the streets and relieving another Marine company.

During these bloody firefights, Canley “repeatedly rushed across gunfire-swept terrain” and carried wounded Marines to safety, according to his award citation.

After the company commander was severely wounded during what later became known as the Tet Offensive, Canley took command for three days.

“Under his leadership, Alpha Company Marines destroyed fortified enemy positions throughout the city as Sgt. Maj. Canley continued to carry wounded Marines to safety,” his award citation says.

On Feb. 4, 1968, in an effort to draw the enemy out and locate its position, “Canley moved to an open area, receiving machinegun fire” while his Marines destroyed the threat and completely took over the occupied building from the enemy.

Just two day later in a hospital compound firefight, Canley “twice scaled a wall in full view of the enemy to carry wounded Marines to safety.”

John Ligato, a former Marine private first class who had served under Canley, previously told Marine Corps Times, “We’d all be dead if it wasn’t for the gunny.”

Canley will be buried at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia with full military honors, the Marine Corps said.

In addition to the Medal of Honor, his awards included the Bronze Star with Combat “V,” the Purple Heart, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat “V” and the Combat Action Ribbon.

Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Troy Black said in a statement, ”The actions in the face of danger Sgt. Maj. Canley took are incredible and remarkable.“

“Sgt. Maj. Canley was a leader and a warfighter who undoubtedly contributed to the battles won in Vietnam. His first priority was and has always been his Marines ― a true example of Semper Fidelis.”

His legacy will live on with the 90,000-ton expeditionary sea base John L. Canley, which is preparing for its christening in San Diego on June 25, the Corps said. It will be forward-deployed to the Western Pacific.

Sixty-four Medal of Honor recipients are now alive today, according to the Congressional Medal of Honor Society.

Andrea Scott is editor of Marine Corps Times. On Twitter: @_andreascott.

Lt. Col. Benjamin Wagner and Sgt. Maj. Jayson Clifton, of 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines, were fired March 31 in Hawaii, Task & Purpose first reported.

The commanding general of 3rd Marine Division, Maj. Gen. Jay Bargeron, relieved them from their jobs for “a loss of trust and confidence in their abilities to continue leading in their assigned duties,” according to Marine Corps spokesman Maj. Kurt Stahl.

“An investigation, prompted by anonymous Inspector General (IG) complaints, informed this decision,” Stahl told Marine Corps Times on Tuesday.

He did not elaborate on the nature of the complaints.

No other investigations connected to the firing are ongoing, Stahl said. At this time no other actions will be taken against the Marines.

Marines Corps Times has requested the investigation from the Marine Corps.

Wagner will be transferring to Headquarters, Marine Force Pacific, Stahl said. The transfer destination of Clifton was not shared.

Lt. Col. Felix Guerra will be serving as the new battalion commander, Stahl said. Sgt. Maj. Timothy Eldredge is now serving as the new battalion sergeant major.

Wagner enlisted in 1995, going on to the Naval Academy in 2002 and becoming an infantry officer, according to his biography. He has served in all three Marine expeditionary forces.

During the first battle of Fallujah, Iraq, he led a rifle platoon, and deployed as a company commander in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Before his job in Hawaii he worked at Quantico, Virginia, as section head for enlisted assignments at Manpower & Reserve Affairs.

Clifton enlisted in 1990, becoming an 0311 rifleman, according to his biography. He left the Corps honorably in 1994, reenlisting in 1998. He deployed to Iraq from 2007–2008, and with the 22nd Marine expeditionary unit in 2009. In 2018–2019 he deployed to Iraq again, as the senior enlisted leader for Task Force Spartan in Al Anbar province.

“The Marine Corps demands the highest standards of its leaders and takes accountability very seriously,” Stahl said.

Marine Corps Times has not yet been able to contact either Marine for comment.

Andrea Scott is editor of Marine Corps Times. On Twitter: @_andreascott.

Lance Cpl. Alberto Lucio, 20, was killed around 3:20 a.m., according to a Tuesday Marine Corps press release.

“Security and Emergency Services Battalion sends our deepest condolences and prayers to Lance Cpl. Lucio’s family,” Col. John W. Black, commanding officer, Security and Emergency Services Battalion, said in the press release. “Lance Cpl. Lucio performed a noble and selfless act by stopping on Interstate 5 to provide critical aid to a person in need. Lance Cpl. Lucio gave his life in the service of others.”

Around 3:22 a.m. a Ford Edge was headed south on Interstate 5, which runs by Camp Pendleton, California, when it lost control and crashed, the San Diego Union-Tribune first reported.

Lucio stopped his vehicle and “attempted to provide assistance to the stranded motorists, when he, along with the disabled vehicle, were struck by an international box truck,” according to Tuesday’s press release.

Lucio was pronounced dead at the scene.

The SUV’s occupants were taken to a local hospital, according to the Union-Tribune.

Lucio “was trying to do the right thing, he was trying to help somebody in need,” said a statement from the California Highway Patrol, reported by CBS 8. “Unfortunately, the freeway traffic was still moving at the time and the box van came and collided into the vehicle.”

California Highway Patrol Sgt. Nicole Pacheco told the San Diego Union-Tribune the driver of the SUV will be booked into jail on suspicion of multiple felony charges once he is released from the hospital.

Lucio, a Smithville, Tennessee, native was assigned to Security and Emergency Services Battalion at Camp Pendleton, California, according to the Corps.

His personal awards include the National Defense Service Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Medal.

“His actions epitomized servant leadership and personified the very best in our emergency services personnel,” Black said in the press release. “Please honor Lance Cpl. Lucio’s memory through your actions, words and deeds.”