5 Marines killed in California helicopter crash are identified

 The Marine Corps Air Station in Miramar announced Friday that the names of five U.S. Marines killed when their helicopter crashed during a storm in the mountains outside San Diego on Tuesday have been named.

The victims have been identified as Lance Cpl. Donovan Davis, 21, of Kansas, and Sgt. Alec Langan, 23, of Arizona, was both crew chiefs. Helicopter pilots Capt. Benjamin Moulton, 27, of Idaho, Capt. Jack Casey, 26, of New Hampshire, and Capt. Miguel Nava, 28, of Michigan, were also aboard the ill-fated CH-53E Super Stallion and died.

Commanding Officer of Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361 (HMH-361) is Lt. Col. Nicholas J. "We are faced with a tragedy that is every service family's worst fear," Harvey said.

"Our top priority now is to support the families of our fallen heroes, and we ask for your respect and understanding as we mourn. The Flying Tigers family is strong and includes the friends and community who have supported our squadron during this challenging time. Have done. We will." Let's deal with this together."

The crew were aboard the CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter, which took off from Creech Air Force Base in Nevada on Tuesday night en route to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, near San Diego, when it crashed

The last known contact with Super Stallion was at approximately 11:30 p.m. Tuesday, when the area was experiencing heavy rain and snow.

The CH-53E Super Stallion is the Army's largest helicopter and is designed to fly in poor weather, even at night.

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At the time of the accident, the CH-53E and crew were conducting routine flight training.

The cause of the accident is still under investigation.

Local first responders were initially contacted about the incident Wednesday morning. The San Diego Sheriff's Office immediately attempted to send a helicopter to begin a search, but the aircraft were grounded due to an "atmospheric river" storm in the area.

Harvey said the fallen Marines have been decorated with various honors.

Davis enlisted in the Marine Corps on September 3, 2019, and was promoted to the rank of lance corporal on January 1, 2024. His decorations include the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and a Marine Service deployment. tape.

Langan enlisted in the Marine Corps on September 14, 2017, and was promoted to the rank of sergeant on October 1, 2022. His decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. National Defense Service Medal and two Sea Service Deployment Ribbons.

Moulton was commissioned into the Marine Corps on March 29, 2019, and was promoted to the rank of captain on August 1, 2023. His decorations include the National Defense Service Medal.

Meanwhile, Casey was commissioned into the Marine Corps on May 16, 2019, and promoted to the rank of captain on September 1, 2023. His decorations include the National Defense Service Medal.

Nava was commissioned into the Marine Corps on May 26, 2017, and was promoted to the rank of captain on November 1, 2021. His decorations include the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.

The incident comes nearly two months after a US Air Force Osprey crashed off the coast of Japan in December. All eight crew members on board the aircraft died in the incident.