Marines order all aircraft grounded for 24 hours

The Marine Corps has grounded all aircraft for 24 hours after the service suffered two deadly crashes in recent weeks.

The move is an “operational reset” that will have no effect on operations.

“Gen. Robert B. Neller, Commandant of the US Marine Corps, directed US Marine Corps aviation units to conduct an operational reset for a 24 hour-period where no flight operations will take place but no operational commitments will be impacted,” the Marine Corps told CNN in a statement.

The decision affects all Marine aircraft, including helicopters and fixed-wing planes. In the statement, the Marines stressed that the move was not unusual.

“Pauses in operations are not uncommon and are viewed as a responsible step to refresh and review best practices and procedures so our units remain capable, safe, and ready,” the statement said.

{mosads}
Republicans called the move another sign that America’s military readiness has suffered under recent administrations.

“The Marine Corps’ decision to temporarily ground all aircraft is further, indisputable evidence that America’s military is in a readiness crisis, and that the crisis is costing lives,” said Rep. Mac Thornberry (R-Texas), the chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, in a statement to CNN.

“Congress must act as soon as possible to provide our military with all of the resources they need to repair what can be fixed and replace what cannot be repaired,” he added.

Two deadly crashes have rocked the Marine Corps in recent weeks. Last week, two Marines were declared dead after their aircraft crashed in the waters off Australia’s coast.

In July, another deadly crash in Mississippi left 16 people dead.