A CH-53E Super Stallion with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit flies over the Red Sea.
The 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing announced in an update at 4:55 a.m. Thursday morning that all five Marines aboard a helicopter that crashed in a remote area of southern California have been confirmed dead.
Five Marines assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, were onboard. The squadron is located at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.
The Marines were identified as Lance Cpl. Donovan Davis, 21, of Olathe, Kansas; Sgt. Alec Langen, 23, of Chandler, Arizona; Capt. Benjamin Moulton, 27, of Emmett, Idaho; Capt. Jack Casey, 26, of Dover, New Hampshire; and Capt. Miguel Nava, 28, of Traverse City, Michigan.
“To the families of our fallen Marines, we send our deepest condolences and commit to ensuring your support and care during this incredibly difficult time,” said Maj. Gen. Borgschulte, 3rd MAW Commanding General.
Per military regulations, identities of the five Marines will not be released until 24-hours after all next-of-kin have been notified by the military, per policy.
The Marines were flying a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter during a routine training flight on Tuesday night from Creech Air Force Base to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar when the aircraft was reported overdue.
The 3rd MAW Communication Strategy and Operations Office reported Wednesday civilian authorities located the helicopter in Pine Valley shortly after 9 a.m.
President Joe Biden said in a statement that he and first lady Jill Biden are “heartbroken” to learn of the Marines' deaths.
“Our service members represent the very best of our nation — and these five Marines were no exception,” Biden said. “As the Department of Defense continues to assess what occurred, we extend our deepest condolences to their families, their squadron, and the U.S. Marine Corps as we grieve the loss of five of our nation’s finest warriors.”
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Original story:
The U.S. Marine Corps has released a statement on a helicopter that was reported missing on a night flight.
According to the 3rd MAW Communication Strategy and Operations Office, civilian authorities located the helicopter in Pine Valley shortly after 9 a.m.
“The 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing is managing search and rescue efforts through the Wing Operations Command Center and using ground and aviation assets to locate the aircrew in coordination with the San Diego County Sheriff's Department and multiple federal, state and local agencies,” the
Five Marines assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, were onboard.
The Marines were flying a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter during a routine training flight from Creech Air Force Base to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar on Tuesday when the aircraft was reported overdue.