4/23/1964

BMC(DV) Manuel Gallegos was killed on 23 April 1964. BMC Gallegos was mortally injured when a Boeing turbine engine exploded on board Mine Seeping Launch, Number 13 (MSL-13), assigned to the USS VIREO (MSC-205). The event occurred during a MINEX in Buckner Bay, Okinawa at 1149 hours. BMC Gallegos was transferred to the VIREO.

A doctor from the USS CATAMOUNT (LSD-27) came aboard the VIREO to attend to BMC Gallegos at 1247 hours. The VIREO dock at Bravo Pier, Buckner Bay and BMC Gallegos was transferred to a military hospital on Okinawa at 1312 hours. Also injured in the accident was EOD diver, CPO Reed.