NCIS has opened an investigation into the death of a retired major general whose body was found at a Marine Corps base in California, officials announced Tuesday.
Maj. Gen. William Mullen, 59, was found dead Saturday at the Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms. San Bernardino County Coroner’s Office.
The Naval Criminal Investigative Service said Tuesday that it was conducting a procedural investigation into Mullen’s death but did not provide details about the cause of death.
“I can confirm that NCIS is conducting a thorough investigation into the death of retired Rear Adm. William Mullen in response to a non-combat, unmedically attended fatality involving Navy and Marine Corps personnel, military personnel and involved civilians,” NCIS public affairs specialist Darwin Lamb said in a statement.
“Out of respect for the investigative process, NCIS will not be commenting further while the investigation continues,” he added.
Mullen served as commander of the base’s Training and Education Command until his retirement in 2020, according to the Marine Corps.
Mullen served a total of 34 years in the military, including tours in the Middle East and leading counter-drug missions in California’s Los Padres National Forest.
He also served as Marine Corps aide to then-President Bill Clinton from 1999 to 2001.
Maj. Gen. Thomas Savage, commander of Marine Corps Air Ground Task Force Training Command, called Mullen a cornerstone of the base.
“Major General Mullen will be forever remembered for his dedicated service to our nation and the Marine Corps.” Savage told the Los Angeles Times.Our thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones.”
