Tragic Loss in East County Mountains Amid Harsh Winter Conditions
Recovery Efforts Underway Amid Ongoing Investigation
According to American Military News, tragedy struck as military officials confirmed the loss of five Marines aboard a helicopter that crashed in the East County mountains during a fierce winter storm. The crew, along with their CH-53E Super Stallion, disappeared from radar around 11:30 p.m. on Tuesday while en route from Creech Air Force Base near Las Vegas to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. The harsh weather conditions of snow, rain and strong winds prevailed in the vicinity of Pine Valley where the aircraft was last heard from.
These Marines were part of Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron, 361 assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. Their identities will remain undisclosed until 24 hours after their next of kin have been notified as the military community mourns the loss of these brave servicemen in this tragic incident.
Following the fatal crash of a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter in the East County mountains, rescue mission efforts were underway as military officials provided limited information due to the ongoing investigation. Despite challenges posed by heavy snowfall, crews were working diligently on this rescue mission to recover the bodies and equipment from the crash site. The tragic incident prompted condolences from President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden expressing heartbreak over the loss of the five Marines aboard the aircraft.
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Intensive Rescue Mission Efforts Mobilized in Wake of Helicopter Disappearance
The rescue mission commenced after Cal Fire San Diego received a report of the missing military helicopter around 2:20 a.m. on Wednesday. Fire crews, along with a multitude of agencies including Border Patrol and the U.S. Forest Service, mobilized to locate the wreckage in the mountainous region north of Interstate 8. However, exact details regarding the location and timing of the crash remain unclear with fire crews and sheriff’s officials leaving the area by Wednesday morning.
The CH-53E Super Stallion, utilized for heavy-lift operations and troop transport, had tragically claimed the lives of five Marines in this incident reminiscent of a 2018 crash involving a similar aircraft. Families of the Marines killed in the 2018 crash had previously filed lawsuits against aircraft part manufacturers, reflecting the ongoing scrutiny surrounding military aircraft safety and accountability.