PINE VALLEY, Calif. — The U.S. Marine Corps issued a statement on Thursday, February 8 confirming that all 5 Marines onboard the helicopter have died.
Maj. Gen. Michael J. Borgschulte, commanding general of 3rd MAW issued the following statement, “It is with a heavy heart and profound sadness that I share the loss of five outstanding Marines from 3d Marine Aircraft Wing and the “Flying Tigers” while conducting a training flight last night. These pilots and crewmembers were serving a calling greater than self and were proud to do so. We will forever be grateful for their call to duty and selfless service. 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.”
The Marine Corps has not identified the Marines at this time.
"Our service members represent the very best of our nation—and these five Marines were no exception," President Biden said in a statement. "Today, as we mourn this profound loss, we honor their selfless service and ultimate sacrifice—and reaffirm the sacred obligation we bear to all those who wear the uniform and their families."
Efforts to recover the remains and equipment are underway as well as an investigation into what caused the crash.
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A military helicopter that went missing early Wednesday morning has been located in Pine Valley and rescue operations are now underway for the five Marines on board.
The 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing is managing the search and rescue efforts using ground and air assets to locate the aircrew.
The U.S. Marine Corps had been searching for the aircraft and five missing Marines after their helicopter did not arrive in San Diego early Wednesday morning.
A press conference update was expected at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday by Marine officials but was postponed.
"The last known location was a ping reported to our dispatch center about a mile to two miles northeast of here, that was the last known location of the helicopter at 11:30 last night," said Cal Fire Captain Mike Cornette.
He described the location as very remote, very rugged terrain. He said the snow, mud and rain made it difficult to even get to the site. He said Cal Fire crews responded to the scene on foot Tuesday night, but pulled back to get more resources.
The U.S. Border Patrol, San Diego County Sheriff's Department and the California Civil Air Patrol joined in the search. Drones were also used in the search effort.
The aircraft was located just after 9:00 a.m. Wednesday. The military did not give a specific location.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the Marine Corps said that the crew were assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361 and were flying a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter based out of Miramar.
The crew was conducting unit-level training and on their way back to base at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, defense officials said.
The San Diego Sheriff's Department was notified at about 1 a.m. that the helicopter did not return to Miramar and was last seen near Pine Valley, about 35 miles east of San Diego, according to Lt. Matthew Carpenter.
They were traveling from Creech Air Force Base in Indian Springs, Nevada, approximately 350 miles away from San Diego.
The helicopter crew was returning during a strong winter storm which brought heavy rain, wind, and snow to Southern California.
The CH-53E is a heavy-lift helicopter used by the Marine Corps around the globe. It is often used for transporting troops and equipment as well as conducting amphibious assaults, logistics, and maintenance.
The 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing along with the San Diego Sheriff's Department and the Civil Air Patrol are coordinating search and rescue efforts.
Last known location of aircraft in near Pine Valley:
