The Marine Corps on Friday released the names of the five men who died when their helicopter crashed in the Cuyamaca Mountains during a severe storm Tuesday.
The five were based at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar as members of a heavy lift helicopter squadron in the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. His plane, a Sikorski CH-53E Super Stallion, was also involved in a fatal crash in Southern California six years ago that claimed four lives.
According to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, the Marines killed in Tuesday's crash were:
- Lance soldier. Donovan Davis, 21, of Olathe, Kansas, CH-53E helicopter crew chief.
- Sergeant. Alec Langen, 23, of Chandler, Arizona, CH-53E helicopter crew chief.
- Captain Benjamin Moulton, 27, from Emmett, Idaho, CH-53E helicopter pilot
- Captain Jack Casey, 26, of Dover, NH, CH-53E helicopter pilot
- Captain Miguel Nava, 28, from Traverse City, Michigan, CH-53E helicopter pilot
The helicopter went down near Pine Valley, a mountain community about an hour's drive from San Diego. The group was returning from a routine training mission at Creech Air Force Base in Indian Springs, Nevada, northwest of Las Vegas.
At the time, visibility was poor due to snow, rain and gusty winds, according to meteorologist Philip Gonsalves of the National Weather Service in San Diego. Investigators with the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing are still trying to determine what factor, if any, influenced the crash.
“We have faced a tragedy that is every military family's worst fear,” Lt. Col. Nicholas J. Harvey, commander of Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361, said 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.”
Davis was just promoted to lance corporal on Jan. 1, after enlisting in the Marine Corps in September 2019. His decorations include the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and a Maritime Service Deployment Tape.
Langen had been a sergeant since October 2022 and enlisted in the Marine Corps in September 2017. His decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Global Warfare Service Medal Counter Terrorism, the National Defense Service Medal and two Maritime Service Deployment Medals. Ribbons.
Moulton entered the Marine Corps in March 2019 and was promoted to captain in August. His decorations include the National Defense Service Medal.
Casey was promoted to captain in September, after being commissioned into the Marine Corps in May 2019. His decorations include the National Defense Service Medal.
Nava had been serving as captain since November 2021; He was commissioned into the Marine Corps in May 2017. His decorations include the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Maritime Service Deployment Ribbon.
