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

Maj. Joseph T. McCloud, 39, of Grosse Pointe Park, Mich.

Cpl. Joshua C. Sticklen, 24, of Virginia Beach, Va.

Both Marines died Dec. 3 when the CH-46 helicopter they were in crashed in Al Anbar province, Iraq. They were assigned to 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.

The cause of the crash is under investigation.

Media with questions about these Marines can call the Hawaii public affairs office at (808) 257-8870.