Trials Ordered for 2 in Death of Recruit
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PENSACOLA, Fla. — Vice Adm. Ron Thunman decided Friday that two Navy men blamed in the panic-induced drowning of a recruit at Rescue Swimmer School should be court-martialed, a Navy spokesman said.
Thunman decided that Lt. Thomas Torchia, 32, will face a special court-martial on a charge of dereliction of duty in connection with the March 2 death of Airman Recruit Lee Mirecki, the spokesman said. He said Petty Officer 1st Class Michael W. Combe, 28, a swimming instructor, will face general court-martial on charges of involuntary manslaughter, battery and conspiracy to commit battery.
Testimony in June indicated Mirecki was forced to continue a class at the school despite asking to quit. He fled from the pool but was pulled back, then had a heart attack and drowned.
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