C-4 explosives have gone missing from Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms in San Bernardino County, California.
Authorities say that ten pounds of the explosive material are missing.
The base isn’t locked down as the investigation continues.
C-4 is not a danger to explode. It cannot be set off by dropping it or even shooting it. To set it off you need a blasting cap and detonators.
C-4 is very stable and insensitive to most physical shocks. C-4 cannot be detonated by a gunshot or by dropping it onto a hard surface. It does not explode when set on fire or exposed to microwaves. Detonation can only be initiated by a shockwave, such as when a detonator inserted into it is fired. When detonated, C-4 rapidly decomposes to release nitrogen, water and carbon oxides as well as other gases. The detonation proceeds at an explosive velocity of 8,092 m/s (26,550 ft/s).
A major advantage of C-4 is that it can easily be molded into any desired shape to change the direction of the resulting explosion. C4 has high cutting ability. For example, the complete severing of a 14-inch deep I-beam takes between 1.5 and 2 lb of C4 when properly applied in thin sheets.
They are currently performing military exercises at the base and soldiers from North Carolina’s 2nd Marine Division, which is based out of Camp Lejeune and 2nd Marine Air Wing which is based out of Cherry Point are participating in exercises at the base but there have been thousands of servicemen at the base since Jan 15th, the last time they know the explosives were still there.
KGTV reported:
“Sources report that approximately 10 pounds of Composition C-4 disappeared during a long training exercise two weeks ago. They also believe the manufactured plastic explosives may have been stolen.”
Local law enforcement has been notified about the missing C-4 and they are on the lookout in case they come across it.
The base is considering keeping all marines on the base even if the exercises are over until the investigation uncovers the location of the explosives.
