Deceased Sailor Identified

OKINAWA, JAPAN

10.14.2016

Story by 1st Lt. Martin Harris 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP BUTLER, Okinawa - U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Jorge A. NoriegaSuarez was involved in an apparent diving mishap at Mermaid Grotto, Manzo-Mo, Okinawa, resulting in his death at approximately 10:00 a.m. Monday, July 16.
NoriegaSuarez served as a Fleet Marine Force Corpsman and Advance X-Ray Technician for 3rd Medical Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force. NoriegaSuarez is survived by his wife and one child.
"3d Medical Battalion, 3d Marine Logistics Group, is deeply saddened and shocked by the death of PO1 NoriegaSuarez,” said Navy Capt. Jason B. Darby, commanding officer of 3rd Medical Battalion. “He was a model Sailor, a father, and a valued member of every command he was assigned to.”
NoriegaSuarez, from Barranquilla, Colombia, enlisted in the Navy on July 13, 2004. His duty stations prior to 3rd Medical Battalion, Okinawa, Japan include Navy Branch Health Clinic Whiting Field, Pensacola, FL; Marine Air Group 26, Camp LeJeune, NC; Naval Hospital Okinawa, Japan.
His awards and decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (1)
An investigation is being conducted to determine the cause of the accident. The Marine Corps is focused on taking care of our Sailors, Marines, and their families. One way we ensure families receive everything they need is to keep them personally updated in the aftermath of incidents,and to give them time before making the announcement public. We ask that media please respect their privacy during this challenging time.
A command level investigation is underway regarding the Sailors death.

• Date Taken: 10.14.2016
• Date Posted: 10.14.2016 03:51
• Story ID: 211963
• Location: OKINAWA, JP