About 10 pounds of a high-powered explosive disappeared last month from the Twentynine Palms Marine base during an exercise. A San Diego television station reported last week that the 10 pounds of C4, a malleable plastic explosive with a texture like modeling clay, may have been stolen.
C4 is more powerful than TNT but needs a detonator in order to explode. When detonated, one pound of C4 can demolish a vehicle.
Naval Criminal Investigative Services has confirmed that it has opened an investigation into the missing C4, but would not comment further, saying it is an open investigation.
KGTV says the commanding officer in charge of the unit with the missing explosive is offering a reward for its return and has reportedly threatened to extend the exercise until the C4 is found.
The Marine Corps is currently holding an exercise called Winter Fury through mid-February at Camp Pendleton with units from the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, 1st Marine Division, and Marine Logistic Group participating.
