The Marine Corps has identified the five Marines who died when their CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter crashed near San Diego on Tuesday.
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The deceased are Lance Cpl. Donovan Davis, 21, of Newnan, Georgia; Sgt. Alec Langen, 23, of Westerville, Ohio; Capt. Benjamin Moulton, 27, of San Diego, California; Capt. Jack Casey, 26, of San Antonio, Texas; and Capt. Miguel Nava, 28, of San Antonio, Texas.
The young men were all assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.
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The helicopter went down around 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday in a remote area of the Cleveland National Forest, about 60 miles east of San Diego. The cause of the crash is under investigation.
The CH-53E Super Stallion is the largest and heaviest helicopter in the U.S. military. It is used for transporting troops, vehicles, and equipment.
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The 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing commander, Maj. Gen. Kevin Iiams, expressed his condolences to the families and friends of the fallen Marines.
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"These Marines represent the best of our nation: brave, selfless, and committed to serving their country. They embodied the core values of honor, courage, and commitment. We mourn their loss and honor their sacrifice," Iiams said in a statement.
The Marine Corps has ordered a safety stand-down for all CH-53E helicopters in the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing until further notice.
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