Feb. 9 (UPI) — All five U.S. Marines killed in this week’s California helicopter crash have been identified. All were service members in their 20s.
The wife of Sgt. Alec Langen, 23, of Chandler, Ariz., confirmed he was among the dead before the other names were released.
According to a statement from the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing , the other four crash victims included Lance Cpl. Donovan Davis, 21, of Olathe, Kan. He was a CH-53E helicopter crew chief.
The other victims were identified as CH-53E helicopter pilot Capt. Benjamin Moulton, 27, of Emmett, Idaho; Capt. Jack Casey, 26, of Dover, N.H., identified as a CH-53E helicopter pilot; and Capt. Miguel Nava, 28, of Traverse City, Mich. He also was a CH-53E helicopter pilot.
Sgt. Langen’s Dad said his son had just married the love of his life a few weeks before the crash.
“I would give anything to be able to trade places and just have him come home,” said Steve Langen.
Langen said he served in the Marines on the same type of helicopter from ’86-’95.