Two fathers and an uncle of three of the five Marines killed in a storm-induced helicopter crash in Southern California this week are lamenting that their deaths could have been avoided.
“Maybe this is the only time they wake up and say, ‘What are we doing to our service members? This has to stop,'” said Sergeant Johnson’s father, Stephen Langen. Told. Alec Langen, 23, told the New York Post on Saturday.
Sergeant Alec Langen was the crew chief for a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter that crashed in the mountains near San Diego Tuesday night.
Stephen Langen called their deaths “a story all too familiar in military circles.”
Five US Marines confirmed dead after helicopter goes missing in California
The identities of the five Marines killed in the CH-53E helicopter crash in Pine Valley, California, on February 6 have been revealed. From left to right, Lance Corporal. Donovan Davis, 21, of Olathe, Kansas, Sgt. Capt. Alec Langen, 23, of Chandler, Arizona; Capt. Benjamin Moulton, 27, of Emmett, Idaho; Capt. Jack Casey, 26, of Dover, New Hampshire; and Miguel of Traverse City, Michigan. – Captain Nava (28 years old). (U.S. Marine Corps | CalFIRE)
Bradford Moulton, his nephew, Col. Benjamin Moulton, 27, said he wished his crew had stayed “on the ground” during the “Millennium Storm” while flying from Creech Air Force Base in Nevada to Marine Corps Aviation. he said. Regular training is held at Station Miramar near San Diego.
“These are Marines, flying in bad weather and doing what they have to do,” he told the Post. “But I wish the operations officer had kept them on the ground.” Moulton was one of two pilots in the helicopter.
Gregory Davis is a retired naval flight officer and lieutenant. “Not only did it not have to happen, it shouldn’t have happened,” Donovan Davis’ father said.
Marine killed at Camp Pendleton identified
Davis, 21, also served as the helicopter’s crew chief.
She added of her son: “He was very proud to be a Marine, loved his job, loved what he did. I’m proud of everything I’ve achieved in my life,” he added.
Langen said all her son wanted for his 17th birthday was to join the Marines. “The next thing you know, there’s a knock on the door, and there’s a Marine recruiter standing there,” he recalled.
Moulton said Benjamin is determined about his career goals. “He was going to be a Marine Corps pilot no matter what,” he said. The 27-year-old was the pilot of the helicopter along with Captain Jack Casey, 26, who also died in the crash.
Captain Miguel Nava, 28, was the fifth victim of the accident.
“Miguel was the kindest person I’ve ever met,” the family’s fundraising page said about Miguel. “His warmth, positive energy and compassion will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.”
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Lt. Col. Nicholas J. Harvey, commander of Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361 (HMH-361), said of the five Marines after the crash. “Our priority right now is to support the families of our fallen heroes and ask for your respect and understanding as they grieve. The Flying Tigers family stands strong and we wish them all the best during this difficult time. That includes our friends and community who have supported our squadron. We will get through this, too.” ”
The last contact with the super stallion was around 11:30pm on Tuesday, when it was pouring and snowing. The area between the “atmospheric rivers”.
The CH-53E Super Stallion is the largest military helicopter and is designed to fly in bad weather and at night.
The cause of the crash is currently under investigation.
A US military CV-22 Osprey takes off from Iwakuni Air Base in Yamaguchi Prefecture. The Osprey squadron was grounded in December after eight Air Force members were killed in a crash off the coast of Japan. (via Kyodo News AP/File)
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.
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.
Entrance to Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base, Oceanside, California. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull/File)
In December, one Marine was killed and 14 others injured when a tactical vehicle overturned during training at Camp Pendleton in Southern California.
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Last November, five Army special operations soldiers were killed in a training “accident” when a helicopter crashed in the Mediterranean Sea, and eight Air Force members were killed when an Osprey suffered a mechanical failure and crashed off the coast of Japan. A person died.
The Osprey squadron has been grounded since the crash as the Air Force considers when it can safely return to service.
The Marine Corps did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment Saturday night.
Fox News Digital’s Michael Dorgan contributed to this report.
