(ReliableNews.org) – The new year has been terrible for the US military. In January, two Navy SEALs went missing off the coast of Somalia during a nighttime mission. They were later declared dead. Weeks later, three Army soldiers died in an unmanned drone attack on a military base in Jordan. Now, five Marines have lost their lives in a helicopter crash.
On February 7, the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing issued a press release announcing the deaths of the five Marines. The service members were part of the Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361 and they were traveling in a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter in Pine Valley, east of San Diego, California, on Tuesday, February 6.
According to reports, the Marines took off from Creech Air Force Base in Nevada and were traveling to San Diego’s Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. It was just a routine training flight. Officials reported it “overdue” when it didn’t arrive at the base on time. That triggered a search that included the Civil Air Patrol and the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department.
The wing’s commanding general, Maj. Gen. Michael J. Borgschulte, notified the public with a “heavy heart and profound sadness.” He went on to say the Marines would “forever be grateful for their call to duty and selfless service.” He wished the loved ones of the lost Marines his “deepest condolences” and promised them support during this time.
https://x.com/3rdmaw/status/1755576079710818351
On February 8, President Joe Biden issued a statement saying he and the first lady were “heartbroken” over the loss of the Marines. He went on to thank those who helped with the search and recovery mission, then said the members of the US military “represent the very best of our nation.”
During a news conference, Marine Col. James Ford stated the families were notified in person on Wednesday and Thursday. The Marine Corps has not released the identities of the fallen service members.
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