The US Marine Corps has confirmed the death of five crew members of a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter that initially went missing late Tuesday night (Feb. 6).
It was eventually revealed that the helicopter crashed while attempting to return to Creech Air Force Base in Nevada after aborting its flight to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego.
"It is with a heavy heart and profound sadness that I share the loss of five outstanding Marines from 3d Marine Aircraft Wing and the 'Flying Tigers,'" 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing commander Maj. Gen. Michael J. Borgschulte said in a statement.
"To the families of our fallen Marines, we send our deepest condolences and commit to ensuring your support and care during this incredibly difficult time. Though we understand the inherent risks of military service, any loss of life is always difficult."
Efforts to recover the remains of the five Marines have begun, and an investigation into the crash is underway, the statement added.
No information beyond the statement was made available, the Associated Press reported.
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How the Helicopter Was Found
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection's Mike Cornette told local media that the last known contact with the helicopter was about 11:30 p.m. Tuesday, Pacific Time, with the location based on a "ping" reported to a Cal Fire dispatch center.
The aircraft was discovered on Wednesday (Feb. 7) near the mountain community of Pine Valley near San Diego. Authorities alleged that the helicopter went down during a historic storm that dumped heavy snow and record rain over the Southern California mountains this week.
The CH-53E Super Stallion is the largest conventional helicopter in US military service and the Marines have used it for heavy-lifting duties around the world for more than three decades, with more than 130 of such in operation.
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