What to Know:
The United States Marine Corps has identified the five Marines killed during a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter “mishap” on February 6 when the aircraft went down in a mountainous area of San Diego County while conducting a routine training flight from Creech Air Force Base in Nevada to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California.
Identities:
All five Marines were assigned to the Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (3rd MAW) out of Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. The identities of the Marines are below:
- Lance Cpl. Donovan Davis, 21, of Olathe, Kansas, crew chief.
- Donovan Davis enlisted in the Marine Corps on September 3, 2019, and was promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal on January 1, 2024. His decorations include the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and a Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.
- Sgt. Alec Langen, 23, of Chandler, Arizona, crew chief.
- Alec Langen enlisted in the Marine Corps on September 14, 2017, and was promoted to the rank of Sergeant on October 1, 2022. His decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and two Sea Service Deployment Ribbons.
- Capt. Benjamin Moulton, 27, of Emmett, Idaho, pilot.
- Benjamin Moulton commissioned in the Marine Corps on March 29, 2019, and was promoted to the rank of Captain on August 1, 2023. His decorations include the National Defense Service Medal.
- Capt. Jack Casey, 26, of Dover, New Hampshire, pilot.
- Jack Casey commissioned in the Marine Corps on May 16, 2019, and was promoted to the rank of Captain on September 1, 2023. His decorations include the National Defense Service Medal.
- Capt. Miguel Nava, 28, of Traverse City, Michigan, pilot.
- Miguel Nava commissioned in the Marine Corps on May 26, 2017, and was promoted to the rank of Captain on November 1, 2021. His decorations include the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.
The Crash:
On February 6, the aircraft was heading from Creech Air Force Base in Nevada to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, when it went down in a mountainous area of San Diego County. The aircraft was located the next day.
The exact reason behind the crash remains unknown, however, there were snowy conditions with low visibility at the time of the incident.
Update: The five 3rd MAW Marines have been confirmed deceased.
“To the families of our fallen Marines, we send our deepest condolences and commit to ensuring your support and care during this incredibly difficult time.” -Maj. Gen. Borgschulte, 3rd MAW Commanding General pic.twitter.com/CBLs2jDKWG
— 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (@3rdmaw) February 8, 2024
This marks the second fatal CH-53E crash involving marines from 3rd MAW in recent years. In 2018, four marines were killed when their aircraft crashed during training near Plaster City, California. An investigation found defective aircraft parts were to blame and a lawsuit was filed.