SAN DIEGO (AP) — The Marine Corps released the names Friday of the five Marines killed when their CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter went down in the mountains outside San Diego during a historic storm. All of them were in their 20s.
The decorated Marines were assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing and were based at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego.
“We have been confronted with a tragedy that is every service family’s worst fear,” said Lt. Col. Nicholas J. Harvey, commanding officer of the squadron. “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.”
The youngest was Lance Cpl. Donovan Davis, 21, of Olathe, Kansas, who was just promoted to the rank of lance corporal on New Year’s Day. The oldest was Capt. Miguel Nava, 28, of Traverse City, Michigan.
Davis and Sgt. Alec Langen, 23, of Chandler, Arizona, were both crew chiefs. The rest were CH-53E pilots.
“We will miss him dearly,” his mother Caryn Langen told KNSD-TV of San Diego.
The other pilots on board were Capt. Jack Casey, 26, of Dover, New Hampshire, and Capt. Benjamin Moulton, 27, of Emmett, Idaho.
Capt. Jack Casey gave his life serving his country. Valerie & I are deeply saddened as we mourn the loss of these Marines. Capt. Casey’s death is a profound loss for his family, state, and country. I have directed flags in the State of NH to half-staff on the day of interment. https://t.co/n9cMgkIS5s
— Chris Sununu (@GovChrisSununu) February 9, 2024
I’m deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Capt. Jack Casey, a U.S. Marine from Dover. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones as we honor his heroic service and sacrifice on behalf of our nation. https://t.co/S6qQJxdodB
— Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (@SenatorShaheen) February 9, 2024
The Super Stallion vanished late Tuesday night on its way back to Miramar from Creech Air Force Base. The craft was discovered Wednesday morning near the mountain community of Pine Valley.
The military confirmed Thursday that all five Marines were killed when their helicopter went down during stormy weather, and efforts were underway to recover their remains, which will take weeks because of the rough terrain and weather, said Col. James C. Ford, operations officer with 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. In the meantime, Marines are staying with the remains round-the-clock to adhere to their ethos of never leaving any Marine behind.
The military is investigating the crash.
