memorial held at Air Station Miramar

San Diego, California (Fox 5/KUSI) — A memorial service was held Friday at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar to honor the five fallen soldiers killed in a helicopter crash earlier this month.

The accident occurred near Pine Valley in southeastern San Diego County. A military helicopter was reported missing. Wednesday, February 7th. Several hours later, search and rescue operations discovered the crash site.

The next day, all five Marines on board were confirmed dead. They were assigned to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (3rd MAW), 16th Marine Aircraft Group, 361st Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron.

On Friday, more than 550 Marines, family members and friends gathered to pay their respects to the following fallen service members.

• Lance Corporal Donovan Davis, 21, from Olathe, Kansas. He was a crew chief on a CH-53E helicopter.
  — Donovan Davis enlisted in the Marine Corps on September 3, 2019 and was promoted to Corporal on January 1, 2024.
  — His decorations include the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.
• Captain Benjamin Moulton, 27, from Emmett, Idaho. He was a CH-53E helicopter pilot.
  — Benjamin Moulton was commissioned into the Marine Corps on March 29, 2019 and promoted to colonel on August 1, 2023.
  — His decorations include the National Defense Medal.
• Captain Jack Casey, 26, from Dover, New Hampshire. He was a CH-53E helicopter pilot.
  — Jack Casey was commissioned into the Marine Corps on May 16, 2019 and promoted to colonel on September 1, 2023.
  — His decorations include the National Defense Medal.

• Captain Miguel Nava, 28, from Traverse City, Michigan. He was a CH-53E helicopter pilot.
  — Miguel Nava was commissioned into the Marine Corps on May 26, 2017 and promoted to Captain on November 1, 2021.
  — His decorations include the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.
• Sergeant Alec Langen, 23, from Chandler, Arizona. He was a crew chief on a CH-53E helicopter.
  — Alec 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, Good Conduct Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Medal, and two Marine Corps Deployment Ribbons.

The national anthem was played during the ceremony, followed by the unveiling of five battlefield crosses representing each Marine.

Col. Stephanie Leguizamon, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, said friends and squadron mates of each Marine provided comments. They told anecdotes of their shared experiences and emphasized the lasting impact that fallen Marines had on their lives.

Also on display at the memorial were flight helmets, flight equipment, and boots that were attached to Marine Corps rifles. The items were placed in front of each Marine’s portrait.

“The 3rd MAW deeply mourns the loss of our Marines and honors their sacrifice, knowing that their spirit and contributions live on within the squadron,” the 3rd MAW said in a news release about the memorial service. Stated.