Marine Corps Air Station Miramar announced Tuesday that the names of five U.S. Marines killed when their helicopter crashed during a storm in the mountains outside San Diego have been released.
The victim was identified as Lance Corporal. Donovan Davis, 21, of Kansas, and Sgt. Alec Langen, 23, of Arizona, and both were crew leaders. Helicopter pilot Capt. Benjamin Moulton, 27, of Idaho. Captain Jack Casey, 26, of New Hampshire. Capt. Miguel Nava, 28, of Michigan, also died on board the ill-fated CH-53E Super Stallion.
“We faced a tragedy that is the greatest fear for any military family,” said Lt. Col. Nicholas J. Harvey, commander of Marine Corps Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361 (HMH-361).
The five Marines killed in a CH-53E helicopter crash in Pine Valley, California, have been identified Tuesday. From left: Lance Corporal. Donovan Davis, 21, of Olathe, Kansas. Alec Langen, 23, of Chandler, Arizona, Sgt. Captain Benjamin Moulton, 27, of Emmett, Idaho. Captain Jack Casey, 26, of Dover, New Hampshire; Capt. Miguel Nava, 28, of Traverse City, Michigan; (U.S. Marine Corps | CalFIRE)
“Our priority right now is to support the families of our fallen heroes, and we ask for your respect and understanding as they grieve. The Flying Tigers family stands strong and continues to support us during this difficult time. That includes our friends and community who have supported our squadron, and we will continue to strive to get through this together. ”
The crew members were aboard a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter that departed from Creech Air Force Base in Nevada on its way to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar near San Diego on Tuesday night when it crashed.
The last contact with the super stallion was around 11:30pm on Tuesday, when downpours and snow were hitting the area.
The CH-53E Super Stallion is the largest military helicopter and is designed to fly in bad weather and at night.
CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter. (Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)
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At the time of the accident, the CH-53E and its crew were conducting routine flight training.
The cause of the crash is currently under investigation.
Local first responders were first contacted about the incident early Wednesday morning. The San Diego Sheriff’s Office immediately attempted to send a helicopter to begin the search, but the aircraft was grounded due to the accident. “A river with atmosphere” A storm hits the area.
Harvey said a variety of honors were bestowed on fallen Marines.
Davis enlisted in the Marine Corps on September 3, 2019 and was promoted to corporal on January 1 of this year. His decorations include the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.
Langen enlisted in the Marine Corps on September 14, 2017 and was promoted to sergeant on October 1, 2022. His decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Meritorious Service Medal, the National Defense Medal and his two Sea Service Deployment Ribbons.
The map shows Creech Air Force Base in Indian Springs, Nevada, and a military helicopter took off for Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego. (Fox News)
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Mr. Moulton commissioned into the Marine Corps on March 29, 2019 and was promoted to colonel on August 1, 2023. His decorations include the National Defense Medal.
Meanwhile, Casey was commissioned into the Marine Corps on May 16, 2019 and was promoted to captain on September 1, 2023. His decorations include the National Defense Medal.
Mr. Nava was commissioned into the Marine Corps on May 26, 2017 and was promoted to colonel on November 1, 2021. His decorations include the Global War on Terrorism Medal, the National Defense Medal, and the Maritime Expeditionary Medal.
The incident occurred about two months after a U.S. Air Force Osprey crashed off the coast of Japan in December. All eight crew members died in the accident.
Fox News’ Anders Hagstrom and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
