Governor Cooper issued the following comment on the plane crash that killed 16 service members:
"Today we learned that among the 16 individuals killed in yesterday's plane crash in Mississippi, seven were North Carolina Marine Raiders based right here at Camp Lejeune. Our hearts go out to the families of those killed, as well as the Marines they served alongside. Danger and sacrifice are inherent to the jobs carried out by our service members, and this tragedy is a reminder that they serve at home and abroad every minute of every day.
Kristin and I, along with millions of North Carolinians and Americans, honor the service and sacrifice of these brave individuals and their families."
The following memo from the Department of Administration was shared to order the flags be flown at half-staff.
MEMORANDUM
To: Cabinet Secretaries; Council of State Members; Office of the UNC President; Administrative Office of the Courts; Office of Administrative Hearings; General Assembly; North Carolina Community College System; Governor’s Mansion; Governor’s Office
From: Secretary Machelle Sanders
Re: Lowering of United States and North Carolina Flags in Tribute to 16 Service Members Killed in Plane Crash
Governor Roy Cooper today ordered all United States and North Carolina flags at state facilities to be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Wednesday, July 12 in tribute to the 16 service members who died Monday night in a Marine KC-130 transport aircraft crash.
The aircraft was transporting six Marines and one Navy sailor from the 2d Marine Raider Battalion based in Camp Lejeune.
The names and hometowns of the victims have not been released pending notification of family. The flight originated at an air station in Cherry Point, N.C.