SSGT John H. Roy

 

March 24, 2009

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP S.D. BUTLER, OKINAWA, Japan - Staff Sgt. John H. Roy III, 32, of Muscogee, GA. died in an explosion at Demolition Range 3 in the Central Training Area March 24 at 11:15 a.m. 

 

One other Marine was seriously injured and one Sailor was injured in the same explosion

that killed Roy. The injured service members are being treated at the

U.S. Naval Hospital, Okinawa. The three were part of an explosive ordnance disposal team preparing a World War II-era shell for destruction when the accident occurred. 

 

"Explosive ordnance teams risk their lives on a daily basis to ensure the safety of the Okinawa people," said Lt. Col. Douglas Powell, Director of the Consolidated

Public Affairs Office at Marine Corps Base Camp Butler.

"The U.S. military and the Okinawan people recognize and sincerely appreciate the

efforts and sacrifice of the U.S. and Japanese EOD experts."

 

Roy was assigned to Headquarters and Service Battalion, Marine Corps Base,

 Camp Smedley D. Butler. Roy joined the Marine Corps in June 1994.

He was an explosive ordnance disposal technician and began his tour on Okinawa

Feb. 23, 2006. He was promoted to the rank of staff sergeant July 1, 2006 and

served as an EOD technician in Iraq for nearly seven months in 2008.

　

His awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal,

Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal,

Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, and Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon.

 

"The Command mourns the loss of SSgt Roy and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. He was an integral member of our unit and his contributions will be sorely missed," said Col. Frank Simonds, commanding officer of Headquarters & Services Battalion,

MCB Butler. The accident is currently under investigation. 

 

Demolition Range 3 has been used for disposal of unexploded ordnance since before reversion. Demolition Range 3 is used by the U.S. military and Japanese Self Defense Force units to conduct demolition training and disposal of unexploded ordnance.

The distance between Demolition Range 3 and the nearest civilian population is more than 2 kilometers, well beyond the blast radius of the demolitions used on that range.

At no time was the local Okinawan public in danger.