Soldier charged for part in failed Humvee drop that became Internet sensation (VIDEO)

Officials announced last week that a U.S. solider based in Vicenza, Italy, is facing charges for a 2016 incident in which three Humvees were destroyed during a supplies drop in the Hohenfels training area in Germany.

Sgt. John Skipper with the 173rd Airborne Brigade was charged with destruction of government property and making a false statement in relation to the incident. The charges suggest the failed drop – which was captured on video, uploaded to YouTube, and quickly went viral – was not due to a malfunction.

It’s unclear at this point whether Skipper will be court-martialed. “Should this case progress, we will continue to release information consistent with Army policy,” said brigade spokesman Maj. Juan Martinez.

During the drop, about 150 supply bundles were successfully deployed from the C-130s. The trio of Humvees, however, slipped out of their rigging and beat their parachutes to the ground. The Humvees, which can cost more than $200,000 a piece, were smashed to pieces.

If convicted, Skipper could face up to 10 years in prison, along with a dishonorable discharge and forfeiture of pay and allowances.

[ Stars and Stripes ]

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