Five US Service Members Confirmed Dead in Helicopter Crash in Southern California

Defense News ,U.S :- The US Marine Corps confirmed on Thursday that the five service members who went missing after their helicopter crashed in southern California earlier this week are now confirmed dead. The tragic incident involved a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter that crashed during a training flight from Creech Air Force Base in Nevada to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.

Major General Michael Borgschulte, commander of the Third Marine Aircraft Wing, expressed his deep sadness, stating, "It is with a heavy heart 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 has initiated efforts to recover the remains of the crash victims, and an investigation is currently underway.

President Joe Biden shared his heartbreak over the loss of the service members, extending condolences to their families, squadron, and the entire US Marine Corps. In a statement, the president honored their selfless service and ultimate sacrifice, emphasizing the nation's sacred obligation to those who wear the uniform and their families.

The recent crash adds to a series of unfortunate accidents involving US military aircraft in the past year. In late November, a V-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft crashed off the coast of Japan, resulting in the loss of eight airmen. Another helicopter crash in the Mediterranean during a training exercise earlier the same month claimed the lives of five American service members. In August, an Osprey crash in Australia left three Marines dead, and in April, three military personnel lost their lives when two helicopters collided in a remote area of Alaska during a training mission.