Names of five Marines killed in California helicopter crash revealed

This Friday, the Marine Corps released the names of the five Marines who lost their lives in a tragic helicopter crash that occurred during a storm in the mountains near San Diego, California, earlier this week.

According to the statement, the three pilots who died in the incident were identified as Capt. Benjamin Moulton, 27; Capt. Jack Casey, 26; and Capt. Miguel Nava, 28. Two crew chiefs also lost their lives: Lance Cpl. Donovan Davis, 21 years old, and Sergeant Alec Langen, 23 years old.

These soldiers were prominent members of Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 361, belonging to the 3rd Wing, known as the Flying Tigers. Furthermore, they had distinguished careers and had accumulated various merits throughout their military service.

“Every service family’s worst fear”

Lieutenant Colonel Nicholas J. Harvey, commanding officer of the HMH 361 squadron, expressed his deep sorrow at the loss of the brave Marines. “We have been confronted with a tragedy that is every service family’s worst fear. Our top priority now is supporting the families of our fallen heroes, and we ask for your respect and understanding as they grieve. The Flying Tigers family stands strong and includes the friends and community who have supported our squadron during this challenging time. We will get through this together,” he said.

The accident

According to reports, the fateful accident occurred Tuesday night while the Marines were conducting routine flight training amid heavy rain and snowfall in the region.

The crew departed Creech Air Force Base in Nevada bound for Marine Corps Air Station Miramar aboard a CH-53E Super Stallion, a helicopter designed to fly in adverse weather conditions.

After losing contact after 11:30 p.m. on Tuesday, search efforts were attempted but were hampered by adverse weather conditions. It was not until the weather improved that a rescue operation was deployed.

Unfortunately, on Wednesday, the Army announced that the helicopter was found, and the Marines were pronounced dead.

The cause of the CH-53E Super Stallion crash is still being investigated. Military authorities affirmed that they are committed to clarifying the details surrounding this tragic event.