In a heartbreaking tragedy, five courageous Marines lost their lives in a helicopter crash that occurred overnight on Tuesday in the San Diego mountains. The Marines, whose ages ranged from 21 to 28, were identified as Capt. Miguel Nava, Capt. Benjamin Moulton, Capt. Jack Casey, Sgt. Alec Langen, and Lance Cpl. Donovan Davis. All five were stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar and were members of Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361.

The Marine Corps confirmed that three of the victims were pilots, while the remaining two served as crew chiefs on the ill-fated CH-53E helicopter. Lt. Col. Nicholas Harvey, the commanding officer of HMH-361, expressed his condolences and emphasized that this tragic incident is every military family's worst fear.

"We have been confronted with a tragedy that is every service family's worst fear," stated Lt. Col. Harvey. "Our top priority now is supporting the families of our fallen heroes, and we ask for your respect and understanding as they grieve."

Capt. Miguel Nava, 28, was a CH-53E pilot from Traverse City, Michigan, who earned his commission in the Marines in 2017. Capt. Benjamin Moulton, 27, hailed from Emmett, Idaho, and also served as a pilot on the CH-53E. He obtained his commission in 2019. Capt. Jack Casey, 26, originally from Dover, New Hampshire, was another skilled pilot on the helicopter. He earned his Marine Corps commission in 2019.

Sgt. Alec Langen, 23, a native of Chandler, Arizona, served as a CH-53E crew chief and enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2017. Lance Cpl. Donovan Davis, 21, came from Olathe, Kansas, and also served as a CH-53E helicopter crew chief after enlisting in 2019.

The group of Marines was returning to their San Diego base from Creech Air Force Base in Nevada when the tragic accident occurred. The crash took place in the East County mountains near Pine Valley, and an ongoing investigation is underway to determine the cause.

This devastating incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks and sacrifices that members of the armed forces face daily. As the military community mourns the loss of these brave Marines, the focus remains on providing support to their grieving families during this unimaginable time of loss.