The US Marine Corps confirmed that 5 servicemen were killed in the helicopter crash.

AFP reported on February 8th, citing a statement from the US Marine Corps, that 5 members of this force were confirmed dead in the helicopter crash in California.

The military said the CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter crashed while flying from Creech Air Force Base in Nevada to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.

“With heavy hearts and deep sadness, I share the loss of 5 outstanding Marine warriors while conducting a training flight,” said Major General Michael Borschulte, commander of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing.

The Marines said efforts to recover the remains of the accident victims have been deployed and the incident is under investigation.

President Joe Biden expressed his sorrow over the loss of the servicemen. “We extend our deepest condolences to their families, their squadron, and the US Marine Corps, as we mourn the loss of 5 of our nation’s finest warriors,” he said in a statement.

There have been a series of accidents involving US military aircraft in the past year, including the crash of a V-22 Osprey off the coast of Japan in late November 2023, which killed 8 pilots.

In August 2023, 5 US service members were killed when a helicopter crashed into the Mediterranean during a training exercise. Also in August 2023, another Osprey aircraft accident in Australia killed 3 US Marines.