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5 Marines killed in helicopter crash are identified: “Every service family’s worst fear”
The five Marines who died when their helicopter crashed during a storm in the mountains outside San Diego have been identified.
The servicemembers were aboard a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter that was traveling during bad weather from Creech Air Force Base in Clark County, Nevada to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego, California for “routine flight training.” The crashed helicopter was found Wednesday, and the Marines were all confirmed to have died on Thursday morning.
On Friday, the Third Marine Aircraft Wing identified the Marines as Lance Cpt. Donovan Davis, 21, Sgt. Alec Langen, 23, Capt. Benjamin Moulton, 27, Capt. Jack Casey, 26, and Capt. Miguel Nava, 28. Davis and Langen were helicopter crew chiefs, and Moulton, Casey and Nava were helicopter pilots.
All five were assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing.
3rd Marine Aircraft Wing
According to a statement from Third Marine Aircraft Wing officials, Davis enlisted in the Marine Corps in Sept. 2019 and had received multiple medals, including the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. Langen enlisted in the Corps in Sept. 2017 and had received decorations including the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.
3rd Marine Aircraft Wing
Moulton commissioned in the Marine Corps in March 2019 and had received the National Defense Service Medal. Casey joined the corps in May 2019 and also received the National Defense Service Medal. Nava commissioned in the Marine Corps in May 2017 and had received decorations including the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.
3rd Marine Aircraft Wing
The U.S. military does not publicly announce the identities of fallen servicemembers until 24 hours after next-of-kin notifications have been completed.
3rd Marine Aircraft Wing
“We have been confronted with a tragedy that is every service family’s worst fear,” said Lt. Col. Nicholas J. Harvey, commanding officer of HMH-361, in a statement. “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.”
3rd Marine Aircraft Wing
The crash is under investigation, officials said.
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A U.S. citizen who was a representative of a drone company doing business with the Israelis has been wounded in Israel, after the Hamas-aligned militant group Hezbollah fired missiles toward Israel, U.S. officials tell CBS News national security correspondent David Martin.
A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department confirmed that an American civilian was injured, but didn’t offer further details. The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem is assisting the injured American and the citizen’s family, the spokesperson said. The U.S. government has repeatedly urged Americans to stay away from the region because of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.
“The department reminds U.S. citizens of the continued need for caution and increased personal security awareness throughout Israel and the West Bank, as security incidents often take place without warning,” the State Department spokesperson also said.
Fears about the possibility of war between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah have grown after an Israeli airstrike killed a senior Hezbollah commander last Wednesday. Israel said the commander, Mohammad Naameh Nasser, was responsible for firing rockets into Israel. Hezbollah responded with another barrage of rocket fire. Like Hamas, Hezbollah is backed by Iran but is believed to be larger and better armed.
Holly Williams, Omar Abdulkader, Margaret Brennan and Olivia Gazis contributed to this report
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