Five Miramar-based Marines have been confirmed dead following the crash of a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter in stormy weather on Tuesday night, the Marine Corps said Thursday.
The heavy-lift copter departed Creech Air Force Base in Nevada and was last heard from around 11:30 p.m.
The aircraft was located in Pine Valley at 9:08 a.m. on Thursday after a search that was joined by Cal Fire and the San Diego Sheriff’s Department.
Maj. Gen. Michael J. Borgschulte, commanding general of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing at Miramar issued the following statement:
“It is with a heavy heart and profound sadness that I share the loss of five outstanding Marines from 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing and the Flying Tigers while conducting a training flight last night. These pilots and crewmembers were serving a calling greater than self and were proud to do so.”
As a matter of policy, identities of deceased service members are not released until 24 hours after all next-of-kin notifications have been completed.
President Joe Biden thanked San Diego authorities for their assistance in the search and offered condolences to the families of the Marines who died.
“Jill and I are heartbroken at the loss of five U.S. Marines, whose aircraft crashed while flying from Nevada to California during a routine training mission,” Biden said in a statement. “As the Department of Defense continues to assess what occurred, we extend our 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.
“I am deeply grateful to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, the U.S. Air Force Auxiliary-Civil Air Patrol, and other federal, state, and local agencies for their professionalism and dedication in supporting search and recovery efforts.”
Efforts to recover the remains of the Marines and equipment have begun and an investigation is underway, said 3rd MAW Capt. Stephanie Leguizamon.
“Though we understand the inherent risks of military service, any loss of life is always difficult,” the captain said. “The 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing stands unwavering in its commitment to supporting the families, friends, and fellow service members of the fallen Marines.”
The CH-53E is a heavy-lift helicopter often used for transporting troops and equipment from shore to shore.
City News Service contributed to this article.