DoD Identifies Marine Casualties
August 16, 2004

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two Marines who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Staff Sgt. John R. Howard, 26, of Covington, Va.

Lance Cpl. Tavon L. Hubbard, 24, of Reston, Va.

Both Marines died August 11 in a helicopter crash in Al Anbar Province, Iraq.

Howard was assigned to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 166 (Reinforced), 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif.

Hubbard was assigned to the Command Element, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif.

The incident is under investigation.

For further information related to Staff Sgt. Howard, contact the MCAS Miramar Public Affairs Office at (858) 577-6000. For further information related to Lance Cpl. Hubbard, contact the Camp Pendleton Public Affairs Office at (760) 725-5044.