By Sevanah Sandoval
On February 7th, a missing U.S. military helicopter carrying five marines from Creech Air Force Base in Clark County, Nevada to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego was found. The helicopter, a CH-53E Super Stallion, was found “east of San Diego in Pine Valley…several hours after authorities launched a search effort” (CBS). Around 1 a.m. on Wednesday, the helicopter was reported as “overdue” in Miramar. Its last known location was reported several hours before at 11:30 p.m. According to the Marine Corps, the “five missing Marines were assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing.”
The day following the discovery of the crashed helicopter, the five missing marines were found dead (CBS). Searches were complicated by unusual weather in Southern California, such as rain, snow, and tornado warnings. Currently, efforts are underway to recover the bodies of the marines and to investigate the cause of the crash (NBC).
Major General J. Borgschukte, commanding general of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, has issued a statement on the matter: “It is with a heavy heart and profound sadness that I share the loss of five outstanding Marines from 3d Marine Aircraft Wing and the “Flying Tigers” while conducting a training flight last night…These pilots and crewmembers were serving a calling greater than self and were proud to do so. We will forever be grateful for their call to duty and selfless service. 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” (CBS).
In accordance with standard military procedure, the names of the marines will not be released until a full day after next-of-kin notifications have been made.
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