Tragic Loss: California Helicopter Crash Claims Five US Marines
The US Marine Corps announced on Thursday that the five missing US service members, who were involved in a helicopter crash in southern California earlier this week, have been officially declared deceased.
On Tuesday, the military reported that the CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter experienced a crash during its journey from Creech Air Force Base in Nevada to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.
“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,” Major General Michael Borgschulte, commander of the Third Marine Aircraft Wing, said in a statement.
The Marine Corps has initiated the process of recovering the remains of the crash victims and is currently conducting an investigation.
President Joe Biden expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the service members, stating that he felt profoundly saddened.
“We extend our deepest condolences to their families, their squadron, and the US Marine Corps as we grieve the loss of five of our nation’s finest warriors,” the president said in a statement.
“Today, as we mourn this profound loss, we honor their selfless service and ultimate sacrifice — and reaffirm the sacred obligation we bear to all those who wear the uniform and their families.”
Several mishaps involving United States military aircraft have occurred in the past year. One notable incident was the crash of a V-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft off the coast of Japan in late November, resulting in the tragic death of eight airmen.
Five members of the U.S. military lost their lives in a helicopter accident in the Mediterranean during a training exercise earlier in the same month. Additionally, three Marines died in August in Australia as a result of another Osprey crash.
In April, a collision occurred between two helicopters returning from a training mission in a remote part of Alaska, resulting in the loss of three military personnel and the injury of another.
Tragic Loss: California Helicopter Crash Claims Five US Marines