The Marine Corps launched the names Friday of the 5 males killed when their helicopter crashed within the Cuyamaca Mountains throughout a heavy storm Tuesday.
All 5 have been based mostly on the Marine Corps Air Station in Miramar as members of a heavy-lift helicopter squadron within the third Marine Plane Wing. Their plane, a Sikorski CH-53E Tremendous Stallion, was additionally concerned in a deadly crash in Southern California six years in the past that claimed 4 lives.
In response to the third Marine Plane Wing, the Marines killed in Tuesday’s crash have been:
- Lance Cpl. Donovan Davis, 21, of Olathe, Kan., a CH-53E helicopter crew chief
- Sgt. Alec Langen, 23, of Chandler, Ariz., a CH-53E helicopter crew chief
- Capt. Benjamin Moulton, 27, of Emmett, Idaho, a CH-53E helicopter pilot
- Capt. Jack Casey, 26, of Dover, N.H., a CH-53E helicopter pilot
- Capt. Miguel Nava, 28, of Traverse Metropolis, Mich., a CH-53E helicopter pilot
The helicopter went down close to Pine Valley, a mountainous neighborhood an hour’s drive from San Diego. The group was getting back from a routine coaching mission to Creech Air Pressure Base in Indian Springs, Nev., northwest of Las Vegas.
On the time, visibility was poor due to snow, rain and gusty winds, in keeping with meteorologist Philip Gonsalves with the Nationwide Climate Service in San Diego. Investigators with the third Marine Plane Wing are nonetheless attempting to find out what issue, if any, climate performed within the crash.
“We’ve been confronted with a tragedy that’s each service household’s worst concern,” Lt. Col. Nicholas J. Harvey, commanding officer of Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361, stated in an announcement. “Our high precedence now could be supporting the households of our fallen heroes, and we ask in your respect and understanding as they grieve.”
Davis was simply promoted to lance corporal on Jan. 1, having enlisted within the Marine Corps in September 2019. His decorations embody the International Warfare on Terrorism Service Medal, Nationwide Protection Service Medal and a Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.
Langen had been a sergeant since October 2022, having enlisted within the Marine Corps in September 2017. His decorations embody the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, International Warfare on Terrorism Service Medal, Nationwide Protection Service Medal and two Sea Service Deployment Ribbons.
Moulton was commissioned into the Marines in March 2019 and was promoted to captain in August. His decorations embody the Nationwide Protection Service Medal.
Casey was promoted to captain in September, having been commissioned into the Marine Corps in Could 2019. His decorations embody the Nationwide Protection Service Medal.
Nava had served as a captain since November 2021; he was commissioned into the Marines in Could 2017. His decorations embody the International Warfare on Terrorism Service Medal, Nationwide Protection Service Medal and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.
