TL/DR –
Five U.S. Marines died in a helicopter crash during a routine training mission, the identities of whom have been released. The incident involved a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter, which has been scrutinized due to repeated mechanical failures and has been involved in past incidents. The cause of the crash, which occurred during a winter storm in California, is still under investigation.
US Marine Corps Discloses Identities of Deceased Marines in Helicopter Crash
The U.S. Marine Corps has revealed the identities of the five Marines killed in a helicopter accident during a standard training mission from Nevada to California.
The deceased, assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, include Lance Cpl. Donovan Davis of Olathe, Kansas; Sgt. Alec Langen of Chandler, Arizona; Capt. Benjamin Moulton of Emmett, Idaho; Capt. Jack Casey of Dover, New Hampshire; and Capt. Miguel Nava of Traverse City, Michigan.
Their CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter went missing Tuesday, later found in a remote, snow-covered area in Southern California. The cause of the crash, which occurred during a winter storm, remains under investigation.
All marines were stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California. Davis and Langen were helicopter crew chiefs while Moulton, Casey, and Nava served as pilots. Davis was promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal last month, and Langen held several decorations, including the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. All pilots were awarded the National Defense Service Medal.
Lt. Col. Nicholas J. Harvey, commanding officer of HMH-361, expressed solidarity with the bereaved families and emphasized the importance of community support.
The Super Stallion used by the Marines to transport heavy gear and troops has been under scrutiny due to mechanical failures. A 2014 crash involved a Super Stallion, and four Marines died in 2018 when a defective part caused another crash.
“Serving a calling greater than self and were proud to do so,” Maj. Gen. Michael J. Borgschulte paid tribute to the fallen Marines. President Joe Biden echoed similar sentiments, lauding them as “our nation’s finest warriors.”
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