- The Marines were conducting a routine training flight when the helicopter crashed.
- Cal Fire located the crash site hours into the search, but said at the time they were still working to locate the crew.
Five Marines who were aboard a Navy helicopter that crashed in the mountains of Southern California during a storm Tuesday night have been confirmed dead.
“It is with great sadness and deep sadness that I share the loss of five outstanding Marines from the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing and the ‘Flying Tigers’ while conducting a training flight last night,” said Gen. Michael J. Borgschulte, commanding general of 3rd MAW.
‘These pilots and crew members were fulfilling a calling larger than themselves and they were proud to do it. We will always be grateful for your call to duty and your selfless service. “To the families of our fallen Marines, we send our deepest condolences and are committed to ensuring your support and care during this incredibly difficult time.”
The Marines’ identities will not be made public until 24 hours after all next of kin are notified, according to Marine Corps policy.
Multiple agencies launched a desperate search early Wednesday after the helicopter was reported missing.
The Navy helicopter took off from Nevada to San Diego on Tuesday night.
The CH-53E Super Stallion is the heavy lift helicopter most used by the Marines to transport troops and equipment.
Efforts have begun to recover the remains of the five and an investigation into the accident is underway, according to the statement.
President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill issued a statement following the news.
They said: ‘Jill and I are heartbroken by the loss of five US Marines, whose plane crashed while flying from Nevada to California during a routine training mission. As the Department of Defense continues to evaluate what happened, we extend our deepest condolences to their families, their squadron, and the U.S. Marine Corps as we mourn the loss of five of our nation’s greatest warriors.
‘Our service members represent the best of our nation, and these five Marines were no exception. Today, as we mourn this profound loss, we honor their selfless service and ultimate sacrifice, and reaffirm the sacred obligation we have to all those who wear the uniform and their families.’
The craft was discovered Wednesday morning near the mountain community of Pine Valley, about an hour’s drive from San Diego.
Cal Fire located the crash site hours into the search, but said at the time they were still working to locate the crew.
The helicopter took off from Creech Air Force Base near Las Vegas, Nevada, on Tuesday night and was headed to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar when it disappeared.
The CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter was last reported in the Cleveland National Forest, near the US-Mexico border and about 35 miles east of its destination.
The area is currently covered in snow, making the search difficult, authorities said.
The helicopter was headed to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, known as the home of the show Top Gun and the movie of the same name.
Three people have died in the historic flood that has hit California, destroying homes and communities across the state.
The National Weather Service in San Diego announced 6 to 10 inches of snow in the mountains above 5,000 feet and gusty winds Wednesday night. A tornado warning was issued Tuesday afternoon, but it was quickly canceled and the weather service said the storm was not capable of forming a tornado.
The CH-53E Super Stallion is the heavy lift helicopter most used by the Marines to transport troops and equipment.
According to the Navy, it is capable of “launching amphibious assaults, facilitating logistics and maintenance, providing sustainment and supplies, and equipping the warfighter for mission success.”
Miramar Air Base is known for being the home of the show Top Gun and the movie of the same name.