Five U.S. Marines aboard a helicopter that went down during stormy weather in the mountains outside of San Diego are confirmed dead, the military said Thursday.
Authorities say the CH-53E Super Stallion vanished late Tuesday night while returning to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego after training at Creech Air Force Base, northwest of Las Vegas.
"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," Maj. Gen. Michael J. Borgschulte, commander of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, said in a statement.
The craft was discovered Wednesday morning near the mountain community of Pine Valley, an hour's drive from San Diego.
Civilian authorities searching on ground and by air located the aircraft, which went down during stormy weather in the Southern California mountains, about 45-miles (72-kilometers) from San Diego.
Persons:
Maj, Michael J, Borgschulte, Borgshulte, Stephanie Leguizamon, Mike Cornette
Organizations:
Stallion, U.S, Marines, Authorities, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Creech Air Force Base, 3d Marine Aircraft Wing, Flying Tigers, 3rd Marine Aircraft, California Department of Forestry, Fire Protection, CBS, Cal Fire, Civilian
Locations:
Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Philippines, San Diego, Las Vegas, Pine Valley, Southern California