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

Maj. Gerald M. Bloomfield II, 38, of Ypsilanti, Mich.

Capt. Michael D. Martino, 32, of Fairfax, Va.

Both Marines died Nov. 2 when their AH-1W Super Cobra helicopter crashed while flying in support of security and stabilization operations near Ar Ramadi, Iraq. Both Marines were with Marine Light-Attack Helicopter Squadron 369, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, their unit was attached to 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, II MEF (Forward).

The crash is currently under investigation.

Media with questions about these Marines can call the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Public Affairs Office at (858) 577-6021.