The military is investigating the death of MCAS Miramar-based Marine Lance Cpl. Benjamin W. Tuttle, 19, who died July 14 at a U.S. military hospital in Germany after being medically evacuated from the USS Nimitz.
According to the Department of Defense, Tuttle was medevaced from the USS Nimitz during a scheduled port visit in the 5th Fleet Area of Responsibility. He was taken to the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, where he passed away.
Tuttle was assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 323, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, I Marine Expeditionary Force at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.
Tuttle hailed from Gentry, Arkansas. He wrote on his Facebook page May 28:
"Lots of love goes back home to my family, i miss all of you I should be home in October, i cant wait to see all of you, uncle mike we will have to go fishing, little brother we will have to hang out, and granny we will have to go out to dinner together, and as for the rest of the family, i cant wait to see all of you too.
Love Ben"