In a heartbreaking incident, the U.S. Marine Corps has identified the five brave Marines who lost their lives in a helicopter crash during stormy weather in San Diego's East County. The unfortunate incident took place on Tuesday. The Marines were assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, and were based at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.

Expressing his condolences, Lt. Col. Nicholas J. Harvey, commanding officer of HMH-361, stated, "We have been confronted with a tragedy that is every service family's worst fear. Our top priority now is supporting the families of our fallen heroes, and we ask for your respect and understanding as they grieve. The Flying Tigers family stands strong and includes the friends and community who have supported our squadron during this challenging time. We will get through this together."

Col. James Ford of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing informed the media that fellow Marines have remained vigilant by the side of the fallen Marines near the Pine Valley community in San Diego's East County. Their remains have been and continue to be guarded by their brothers and sisters.

The five Marines were on board a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter that was flying from Creech Air Force Base in Clark County, Nevada, to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego. The helicopter was reported as "overdue" on Tuesday, and it was revealed that they had been conducting unit-level training in Vegas before their return. Unfortunately, the helicopter crashed during the journey, resulting in the tragic loss of the five Marines.

The last known location of the helicopter was a ping received by Cal Fire's dispatch center around 11:30 p.m. on Tuesday. In response, Cal Fire promptly dispatched several engines and an ambulance to the area. The helicopter was ultimately discovered in Pine Valley at approximately 9:08 a.m. on Wednesday, according to MCAS Miramar.

Multiple agencies, including the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Border Patrol, San Diego County Sheriff's Department, and the state Civil Air Patrol, collaborated with the military in the search and rescue efforts.

The Marine Corps has released additional information about the fallen Marines. Lance Corporal Donovan Davis enlisted in the Marine Corps on September 3, 2019, and was promoted to his current rank on January 1, 2024. Sergeant Alec Langen enlisted on September 14, 2017, and was promoted to his current rank on October 1, 2022. Captain Benjamin Moulton was commissioned on March 29, 2019, and was promoted on August 1, 2023. Captain Jack Casey was commissioned on May 16, 2019, and promoted on September 1, 2023. Captain Miguel Nava was commissioned on May 26, 2017, and promoted on November 1, 2021.

President Joe Biden, in a statement, expressed his deep sorrow and extended his condolences to the families, squadron, and the U.S. Marine Corps, stating, "Our service members represent the very best of our nation - and these five Marines were no exception. As the Department of Defense continues to assess what occurred, we extend our deepest condolences to their families, their squadron, and the U.S. Marine Corps as we grieve the loss of five of our nation's finest warriors."

California Governor, Jennifer and I, join the nation in mourning the tremendous loss of these Marines," remarked California's Governor, paying tribute to the fallen heroes for their dedication to serving the country.

A sense of mourning and solemnity hangs over the region as the flags at the State Capitol and Capitol Annex Swing Space will be flown at half-staff to honor the fallen Marines.

The investigation into the tragic mishap is still ongoing, and no further information is currently available.