Tragedy Strikes: Five U.S. Marines Killed in Helicopter Crash in San Diego Mountains
In a devastating incident that has left the nation mourning, five brave U.S. Marines lost their lives when their helicopter crashed during a storm in the San Diego mountains. The Marine Corps Air Station in Miramar has now released the names of the fallen Marines, revealing their identities to the public.
The victims have been identified as Lance Cpl. Donovan Davis, 21, hailing from Kansas, and Sgt. Alec Langen, 23, from Arizona. Both Davis and Langen served as Crew Chiefs. Accompanying them were three helicopter pilots: Capt. Benjamin Moulton, 27, from Idaho, Capt. Jack Casey, 26, from New Hampshire, and Capt. Miguel Nava, 28, from Michigan. The Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361 (HMH-361) expressed their grief, stating, “We have been confronted with a tragedy that is every service family’s worst fear.”
The primary focus now is on supporting the families of these fallen heroes during this difficult time. Lt. Col. Nicholas J. Harvey, commanding officer of HMH-361, appealed for respect and understanding as the families grieve. He also acknowledged the immense strength of the Flying Tigers family and the support they have received from friends and the community.
The ill-fated CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter was en route from Creech Air Force Base in Nevada to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar when it crashed. The last known contact with the aircraft occurred around 11:30 p.m. on Tuesday, amidst heavy rain and snowfall in the area. The CH-53E Super Stallion is renowned for its ability to operate in adverse weather conditions, making this tragic incident all the more shocking.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation, but initial reports indicate that the crew was engaged in routine flight training at the time of the mishap. Local authorities were alerted to the incident early Wednesday morning, but due to the severe storm conditions caused by an “atmospheric river,” the search and rescue efforts had to be postponed.
The fallen Marines had all received numerous honors for their service. Lance Cpl. Donovan Davis joined the Marine Corps in 2019 and was promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal in 2024. He was decorated with the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and a Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. Sgt. Alec Langen enlisted in 2017 and achieved the rank of Sergeant in 2022. His decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and two Sea Service Deployment Ribbons.
Capt. Benjamin Moulton, commissioned in 2019 and promoted to Captain in 2023, received the National Defense Service Medal. Capt. Jack Casey, commissioned in 2019 and promoted to Captain in 2023, also earned the National Defense Service Medal. Capt. Miguel Nava, commissioned in 2017 and promoted to Captain in 2021, was honored with the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.
This tragic incident follows another fatal crash involving military personnel just two months ago when a U.S. Air Force Osprey crashed off the coast of Japan, claiming the lives of all eight crew members.
As the nation mourns the loss of these courageous Marines, their families and loved ones are in our thoughts and prayers. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten, and their memory will continue to inspire generations of servicemen and women to come.
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