The Marine Corps identified the five Marines who were killed in a CH-53E helicopter crash on Tuesday in California.
Lance Cpl. Donovan Davis, 21; Sgt. Alec Langen, 23, Capt. Jack Casey, 26; Capt. Benjamin Moulton, 27; and Capt. Miguel Nava, 28, were killed in the crash. They were all assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361, Marne Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing.
“We have been confronted with a tragedy that is every service family’s worst fear,” said Lt. Col. Nicholas J. Harvey, commanding officer of HMH-361. “Our top priority now is supporting the families of our fallen heroes, and we ask for your respect and understanding as they grieve. 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 wreckage of a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter was discovered in Pine Valley, California, on Wednesday, according to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, a day after the five Marines left for a routine training exercise.
The Marines were flying a CH-53 Super Stallion helicopter from Creech Air Force Base in Nevada to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, when it was crashed, the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing said in a statement.
The crash remains under investigation.
Davis enlisted in the Marines on Sept. 3, 2019, and reached the rank of Lance Corporal on Jan. 1, 2024, a month before his death. His decorations include the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and a Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.
Langen enlisted on Sept. 14, 2017, was promoted to his latest rank on Oct. 1, 2022, and his decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and two Sea Service Deployment Ribbons.
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Casey commissioned in the Marines in May 2019 and became a captain in August 2023. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal.
Moulton joined the Marines shortly before Casey did, in March of 2019, and was promoted to captain in August of last year. Nava, the longest tenured marine of the five, commissioned in 2017 and was promoted to captain in November 2021.
