The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Master Sgt. Brian P. McAnulty, 39, of Vicksburg, Miss., died Dec. 11 when the CH-53 helicopter he was riding in crashed just after takeoff in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, Calif.

The cause of the crash is under investigation.

Media with questions about these Marines can call the Twentynine Palms public affairs office at (760) 830-5476.