- Five U.S. Marines confirmed dead in helicopter crash in Southern California after an extensive search conducted in San Diego County
- Marines went missing during a training flight, helicopter found but Marines could not be located due to severe storms
- Search operation faced challenges in remote, mountainous location; recovery efforts underway for both bodies and lost equipment
Additional Coverage:
- Five missing Marines in California declared dead (thehill.com)
Five U.S. Marines who were reported missing in Southern California earlier this week have been confirmed dead in a helicopter crash. The 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (3rd MAW) announced the deaths on Thursday after an extensive search conducted in a mountainous area of San Diego County. Maj. Gen. Michael Borgschulte, the commanding general of the 3rd MAW, expressed his sadness and extended condolences to the families of the fallen Marines. President Biden also mourned their loss and honored their selfless service and sacrifice.
The Marines went missing during a training flight from Creech Air Force Base in Nevada to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego. The search began after the helicopter they were flying, a CH-53E Super Stallion, was reported overdue. Though the helicopter was found the next morning, the Marines could not be located. The severe storms that hit the region further complicated the search efforts, which involved local police, state emergency personnel, and U.S. military service members.
The search operation faced additional challenges due to the remote and mountainous location in Pine Valley near the Cuyamaca Mountains. The 3rd MAW is now working on recovering the bodies of the Marines as well as the lost equipment. The names of the deceased have not been released at this time.
Read More About This Story:
- Five missing Marines in California declared dead (thehill.com)