California Helicopter Crash: 5 Marines Confirmed Dead
TL/DR –
Five Marines died in a helicopter crash near San Diego during a routine training flight from Nevada’s Creech Air Force Base to the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. The crash involved a CH-53E Super Stallion, a heavy-lift helicopter that has been in operation since 1981, with a history of crashes in training and war scenarios. The cause of the crash is under investigation and recovery efforts for both the Marines and equipment are underway.
Five Marines Confirmed Dead in San Diego Helicopter Crash
Tragedy struck as the Marine Corps confirmed the deaths of five Marines in a helicopter crash east of San Diego on Tuesday. The 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing revealed that their CH-53E Super Stallion was found in Pine Valley, about 44 miles east of San Diego, following a search and rescue operation. The Marines were on a routine training flight from Creech Air Force Base in Nevada to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego when the helicopter was reported “overdue”.
Teams from the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department and the Civil Air Patrol, among others, undertook a challenging search in inclement weather featuring snow and low clouds. As of Thursday, efforts are ongoing to recover the remains of the Marines and the equipment. The cause of the crash remains unclear and an investigation is underway.
Maj. Gen. Michael J. Borgschulte expressed his profound sadness while sharing the news and offered condolences to the families of the deceased Marines. President Biden and the first lady also extended their deepest condolences to the families of the Marines, their squadron, and the U.S. Marine Corps. The Marines on board were part of the Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361, the Marine Aircraft Group 16, and the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing.
The CH-53E Super Stallion has been used by the Marine Corps since 1981 for heavy load transportation and there were still 136 in operation in 2021. It has also been involved in various crashes. In 2016, 12 Marines died when two CH-53E helicopters collided off the coast of Hawaii. Other tragic incidents also occurred in Afghanistan in 2002, Iraq in 2005, California in 1987 and Connecticut in 1996. The aircraft is no longer in production and has been replaced by the CH-53K King Stallion.
“As the Marine Corps investigates this deadly crash, it is yet another reminder that our selfless service members risk their lives every day to keep our country safe,” remarked Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III in response to the unfortunate event.
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