The five U.S. Marines who went missing in Southern California this week were confirmed to have died in a helicopter crash.
The 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (3rd MAW) confirmed the deaths in a Thursday statement, after an exhaustive search for the missing Marines on Wednesday in a mountainous region of San Diego County.
Maj. Gen. Michael Borgschulte, the commanding general of the 3rd MAW, announced the deaths “with a heavy heart and profound sadness.”
“These pilots and crewmembers were serving a calling greater than self and were proud to do so. We will forever be grateful for their call to duty and selfless service,” he said in a statement. “To the families of our fallen Marines, we send our deepest condolences and commit to ensuring your support and care during this incredibly difficult time.”
President Biden also mourned the deaths of the Marines on Thursday, extending his “deepest condolences to their families, their squadron, and the U.S. Marine Corps as we grieve the loss of five of our nation’s finest warriors.”