A Michigan U.S. Marine and four other service members were killed in a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter crash during storms in the mountains outside San Diego, California. Capt. Miguel Nava, 28, of Comstock Park, was identified as one of the casualties, as confirmed by U.S. Marine Corps officials, The Detroit News reported.
The Marines, part of Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361 based at the Marine Corps Air Station in Miramar, were returning from training at Creech Air Force Base in Nevada when the incident occurred late Tuesday night; a historic storm was cited as a contributing factor to the crash, the wreckage of which was discovered in a remote mountain area near Pine Valley, according to ClickOnDetroit and MLive.
Among the fallen was also Lance Cpl. Donovan Davis, 21, the youngest of the group who had just been promoted on New Year's Day, Sgt. Alec Langen, 23, Capt. Benjamin Moulton, 27, and Capt. Jack Casey, 26, all of whom were recognized for their service with various medals and honors. U.S. Rep. Hillary Scholten, D-Grand Rapids, whose district includes Comstock Park and where Nava grew up, expressed condolences on behalf of the community, saying, "Absolutely heartbroken to hear that Miguel Nava of Comstock Park was one of the Marines killed in a crash this week," in a tweet captured by The Detroit News.
Col. James C. Ford, operations officer with the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, noted the difficulties faced in recovering the remains due to severe weather and tough terrain, with ongoing efforts expected to take weeks, but emphasized the commitment to never leave any Marine behind, as Marines are staying with the remains round-the-clock, MLive reports. Lt. Col. Nicholas J. Harvey, commanding officer of HMH-361, reinstated the unit's strength in the face of adversity, asserting, "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," an ethos echoed in statements by the individual service member's families, communities, and schools, as chronicled by the concerned publications.
