5 Missing Marines Confirmed Dead After Helicopter Crash
The U.S. Marine Corps has confirmed that five missing Marines have been found dead after their helicopter crashed during a training flight. President Joe Biden expressed his condolences to the families and praised the search and recovery efforts.
Search and Recovery Efforts
A CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter, carrying five Marines, crashed during a training flight. The Marines were reported missing when the helicopter was overdue to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. A search was initiated, and assistance was requested from the San Diego County Sheriff's Department and Civil Air Patrol.
The San Diego County Sheriff's Department dispatched its own helicopter, but it was unable to reach the crash site due to a severe storm. Off-road vehicles were then sent to navigate the rugged terrain. The helicopter was ultimately discovered the following morning.
Efforts are ongoing to recover the remains of the five Marines, and an investigation into the crash is underway.
President Biden Expresses Condolences
President Joe Biden expressed his sadness and condolences in a statement. He acknowledged the routine nature of the training mission and praised the professionalism and dedication of the search and recovery teams. Biden also thanked the San Diego County Sheriff's Department, the U.S. Air Force Auxiliary-Civil Air Patrol, and other agencies for their support.
"I am deeply grateful to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, the U.S. Air Force Auxiliary-Civil Air Patrol, and other federal, state, and local agencies for their professionalism and dedication in supporting search and recovery efforts," Biden said.
Maj. Gen. Michael J. Borgschulte also extended his condolences to the families of the fallen Marines and committed to providing support during this difficult time.
