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The U.S. Marine Corps has announced that their 248th ball has been canceled by the U.S. Central Command. They stated that the saddening decision was taken due to “unforeseen operational commitments.” Netizens have since taken to social media to express their skepticism over the same.
Chris. A. McPhillips, the Major General of the U.S. Marine Corps released a statement on October 31, announcing that the event that was scheduled to take place on November 16 has been canceled. He also shared why they had to take such measures:
“Due to unforeseen operations commitments and the nature of our current mission, it is with great regret that we must cancel this year’s event.”
He ended his statement by expressing gratitude towards those who prepared for the event. He also reminded followers about the sacrifices the Marine Corps makes “in service of the country.” McPhillips then stated:
“The chief consideration was the need to uphold the highest standards of readiness and the completion of our operational responsibilities.”
The announcement comes amid the rising tensions between Israel and Gaza following the Hamas attacks. According to the Daily Wire, U.S. forces have reportedly deployed and are in the process of deploying approximately 900 troops in the conflict-torn region. Last week, the Pentagon claimed that they had launched airstrikes in eastern Syria, which have been linked to the Iranian military.
“Hopefully this isn’t a sign of a large scale war”: Netizens left worried over the Marine Corps canceling their ball
Many were saddened by the cancellation of the event that was to take place in Tampa, Florida. As internet users expressed confusion over the unprecedented call off, others wondered whether a full-blown war was being anticipated by the U.S. forces. A few tweets read:
“Making sure the staff maintains an alert mindset”: Reason behind the ball’s cancelation explored
MARCENT spokesperson Capt. Joe Wright explained to Military.com that the decision was made due to the uncertainty in Israel. He went on to add that the ball was canceled to ensure that the planning staff would be free in case the situation in the Middle East changes. Wright added:
“It’s just a matter of making sure that the staff maintains an alert mindset.”
Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder said in a statement on Tuesday that 300 other troops were being deployed to the CENTCOM area. He went on to add that they were not going to Israel.
A Marine Corps Central Command told the Daily Wire that the decision to cancel the ball also came in light of the “dynamic and uncertain security environment” in areas that included the Middle East. The spokesperson also said:
“Because of the uncertain situation, the MARCENT (Marine Corps service component for U.S. Central Command) Commander wants to avoid a last-minute cancelation that would burden Marines, families, veterans, and members of the community with trying to recoup money from ticket sales, reservations, etc.”
This is not the first time the Marine Corps ball was canceled. The celebrations were canceled in 2020 as well in light of the Covid-19 pandemic.
