Current:Home > reviewsMilitary names 5 Marines killed in helicopter crash in California mountains. All were in their 20s. -Prime Capital Blueprint
Military names 5 Marines killed in helicopter crash in California mountains. All were in their 20s.
Charles H. Sloan View
Date:2025-04-06 17:50:19
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.
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.
veryGood! (83)
Related
- Pregnant Kylie Kelce Shares Hilarious Question Her Daughter Asked Jason Kelce Amid Rising Fame
- AP Top 25 Takeaways: Separation weekend in Big 12, SEC becomes survive-and-advance day around nation
- Some houses are being built to stand up to hurricanes and sharply cut emissions, too
- Lisa Vanderpump Makes Rare Comment About Kyle Richards' Separation Amid Years-Long Feud
- The Best Stocking Stuffers Under $25
- AP Election Brief | What to expect when Ohio votes on abortion and marijuana
- What young athletes can learn from the late Frank Howard – and not Bob Knight
- Afghan farmers lose income of more than $1 billion after the Taliban banned poppy cultivation
- Stamford Road collision sends motorcyclist flying; driver arrested
- Federal judge's ruling puts billions at stake for NCAA
Ranking
- Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of people
- These Celebrity Bromances Will Brighten Your Weekend
- A Norway spruce from West Virginia is headed to the US Capitol to be this year’s Christmas tree
- Save 42% on That Vitamix Blender You've Had on Your Wishlist Forever
- Bill Belichick's salary at North Carolina: School releases football coach's contract details
- Did the Beatles song 'Now and Then' lead you to gently weep? You weren't alone
- Proof Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker's Family of 9 Is the Most Interesting to Look At
- Real Housewives of Orange County’s Shannon Beador Breaks Silence on DUI Arrest Sentencing
Recommendation
Most popular books of the week: See what topped USA TODAY's bestselling books list
Judge dismisses challenge to New Hampshire’s provisional voting law
Sheryl Crow's Sons Look All Grown Up During Rare Red Carpet Outing With Mom
Moroccan archaeologists unearth new ruins at Chellah, a tourism-friendly ancient port near Rabat
Finally, good retirement news! Southwest pilots' plan is a bright spot, experts say
Fatal vehicle crash kills 4 in Maryland
Shohei Ohtani's free agency takes center stage at MLB's GM meetings
Hamas alleges second Israeli strike hit refugee camp