U.S. Marine Corps confirms the deaths of the five missing Marines following a helicopter crash during a training flight in Southern California. President Biden and military officials express profound sorrow over the loss of these dedicated service members.
On Thursday, the U.S. Marine Corps confirmed the tragic deaths of five Marines previously reported missing, following a helicopter crash during a training flight. The declaration came more than 24 hours after the incident.
The Marines were declared missing after their CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter was reported overdue to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar on Tuesday night. The helicopter had departed from Creech Air Force Base near Las Vegas and was en route to Miramar, located in the San Diego area.
The Marines declared that the helicopter was found at 9:08 a.m. on Wednesday.
In a statement, Major General Michael Borgschulte, commander of the Third Marine Aircraft Wing, expressed his heartfelt condolences, saying, “It is with a heavy heart and profound sadness that I share the loss of five outstanding Marines from 3d Marine Aircraft Wing and the ‘Flying Tigers’ while conducting a training flight.”
The Marine Corps declared that efforts to retrieve the remains of the crash victims have begun, and an investigation is currently in progress.
President Joe Biden conveyed his deep sorrow, expressing that he was “heartbroken” over the loss of the service members.
“We extend our deepest condolences to their families, their squadron, and the US Marine Corps as we grieve the loss of five of our nation’s finest warriors,” the president said in a statement.
“Today, as we mourn this profound loss, we honor their selfless service and ultimate sacrifice — and reaffirm the sacred obligation we bear to all those who wear the uniform and their families.”