The Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) is investigating the death of a military officer whose body was discovered at the Twentynine Palms Marine base. According to San Bernardino County coroner’s records, Maj. Gen. William F. Mullen was found dead at the base on Saturday.
Mullen, who once served as the commanding general of the base, retired in 2020.
San Bernardino County sheriff’s spokesperson Mara Rodriguez confirmed that NCIS is leading the investigation into the death at Twentynine Palms, the world’s largest Marine Corps training base. NCIS, the Department of the Navy’s investigative law enforcement agency, handles criminal investigations and noncombat deaths of Navy or Marine Corps members.
NCIS officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
“Major General Mullen’s dedicated service to our nation and the Marine Corps will always be remembered,” said Maj. Gen. Thomas Savage, commanding general of the Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones.”
Marine officials have confirmed that NCIS is investigating the cause of Mullen’s death.
San Bernardino coroner’s officials are conducting the autopsy, according to Rodriguez. The investigation is ongoing.
Before retiring, Mullen served as the commanding general of the Training and Education Command. His extensive military career included tours in the Middle East, leading a counter-narcotics mission in the Los Padres National Forest, and serving as Marine aide to President Clinton.