+34
One of the five U.S. Marines killed in Tuesday's helicopter crash in San Diego County has been identified, the Marine's family confirmed to NBC 7 on Thursday.
Five Marines were traveling on a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter from Creech Air Force Base north of Las Vegas to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar near San Diego when it was reported"overdue" Tuesday, the Marine Corps saidSgt.
Alec Langen, 23, of Chandler, Arizona, was aboard the CH-53E helicopter that went down during stormy weather in the mountains outside of San Diego, according to his mother, Caryn Langen. "Alec Langen was one of the Marines that was on board the helicopter that crashed on Tuesday," his mother said in a statement to NBC 7."We will miss him dearly."Sign up for NBC San Diego newsletters. Col. James Ford of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing told the media at the 3:30 p.m. news conference that all those who were aboard the aircraft were located at the scene of the crash. The Marines' next-of-kin were all notified in person about their deaths on Wednesday night and Thursday morning, according to Ford. NBC 7's Dana Williams breaks down the latest information after a military official issued a brief statement about the helicopter crash that killed five U.S. Marines near Pine Valley.Since they were found, Ford said, fellow Marines have remained vigilant at their side, near the small East County community of Pine Valley. Their remains were and continue to be guarded by brothers and sisters, Ford said. On Thursday, military operations shifted to a focus on a recovery mission, which, due to the weather, was currently taking place on the ground. Ford said the Marine Corps will continue to focus on the families through their difficult days ahead. The other victims have not yet been publicly identified, nor did Ford take any questions from the media at the news conference. The five Marines were traveling on the CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter, flying from Creech Air Force Base in Clark County, Nevada, to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego, when it was reported"overdue" Tuesday, the Marine Corps said. They had been conducting unit-level training near Las Vegas before their return. "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 the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, said in a statement. The names of the Marines were not immediately released. Efforts to recover the remains of the Marines and equipment have begun and an investigation is underway, it was confirmed in a release.“Our service members represent the very best of our nation — and these five Marines were no exception,” Biden said. “As the Department of Defense continues to assess what occurred, we extend our deepest condolences to their families, their squadron, and the U.S. Marine Corps as we grieve the loss of five of our nation’s finest warriors.”“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.” -Maj. Gen. Borgschulte, 3rd MAW Commanding General “California joins the nation in mourning the tremendous loss of these Marines. Jennifer and I send our heartfelt condolences to their families, loved ones, and fellow service members during this painful time. Their dedication to serving our country will always be remembered." The flags at the State Capitol and Capitol Annex Swing Space will be flown at half-staff in honor of the Marines. The last known location of the helicopter came from a ping to Cal Fire's dispatch center at about 11:30 p.m. Tuesday. Cal Fire sent several engines and an ambulance to the area overnight. The helicopter was found in Pine Valley at around 9:08 a.m. Wednesday, a spokesperson from MCAS Miramar said. Ground and aviation teams continued their search for the aircrew near Interstate 8 and Kitchen Creek Road. The military worked with federal, state and local agencies, including the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Border Patrol, San Diego County Sheriff’s Department and the state Civil Air Patrol. The search came as San Diego was experiencing a winter storm that produced heavy rain since Tuesday night and has brought several inches of snow to the mountains. The CH-53E Super Stallion is the heavy-lift helicopter used by Marines around the world. It is capable of rapidly transporting troops and equipment from ship-to-shore: launching amphibious assaults, facilitating logistics and maintenance, providing sustainment and supplies, and equipping the warfighter for mission success,
Scratch the next story
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News: You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Another Powerful Storm Expected in San Diego CountyNearly two weeks after devastating flooding damaged homes and uprooted people's lives throughout San Diego County, another powerful storm is expected to move into the county on Sunday, possibly bringing chances of rain until Wednesday. The rain will be heavy at times, and some of the impacts could include excessive rainfall, flooding, gusty winds, snow for the mountains and big surf for the coastal areas. Rain estimates for Sunday night through Tuesday show 2-3 inches of rain for the coast and valleys, 2-5 inches for the mountains and up to 1 inch for the desert. Below we have listed some of the most common questions San Diegans may have after the storm, and some resources available.
Read more »
Inclement weather prompts closures at some San Diego County schoolsJulian Union Elementary School District and Mountain Empire Unified School District are some districts closed Wednesday.
Read more »
Missing Marine helicopter found in San Diego's East County; search underway for aircrewThe five Marines were traveling on the CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter, flying from Creech Air Force Base in Clark County, Nevada, to Marine Corps Air Station…
Read more »
Here's how much rain has fallen this week in 40 San Diego County communitiesThe NWS says the rain will continue to fall, on and off, into Tuesday night. A new storm will arrive on Wednesday night.
Read more »
Arizona Marine among five killed in helicopter crash near San Diego, family saysAlec Langen of Chandler, Arizona, was aboard the helicopter at the time of the crash
Read more »
5 Marines killed in helicopter crash in San Diego's East County identifiedThe U.S. Marine Corps has identified the five Marines who were killed after their helicopter crashed Tuesday during stormy weather in San Diego's East County.
Read more »