chopper
© U.S. MarinesThe CH-53E Super Stallion is the heavy-lift chopper most commonly used by the Marines to transport troops and equipment.
Five Marines who were aboard a Navy helicopter that crashed in the southern California mountains during a storm on Tuesday night have been confirmed dead.

Gen. Michael J. Borgschulte, commanding general of 3rd MAW remarked:
"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' while conducting a training flight last night. These pilots and crewmembers were serving a calling greater than self and were proud to do so. We will forever be grateful for their call to duty and selfless service. 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."
The identities of the Marines will not be made public until 24 hours after all next of kin are informed, per Marine Corps policy.

Several agencies launched a desperate search early on Wednesday after the chopper was reported missing.
map helicopter
© DailyMail.comNavy helicopter took off from Nevada to San Diego on Tuesday night.
Efforts to recover the remains of the five have begun and an investigation into the crash is underway, according to the statement.

President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill issued a statement following the news:
"Jill and I are heartbroken at the loss of five U.S. Marines, whose aircraft crashed while flying from Nevada to California during a routine training mission. 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.

"Our service members represent the very best of our nation — and these five Marines were no exception. Today, as we mourn this profound loss, we honor their selfless service and ultimate sacrifice — and reaffirm the sacred obligation we bear to all those who wear the uniform and their families."
The craft was discovered Wednesday morning near the mountain community of Pine Valley, an hour's drive from San Diego.

Cal Fire located the crash site within hours of the search, but said at the time they were still working to locate the crew.

The helicopter took off from Creech Air Force Base near Las Vegas, Nevada, on Tuesday night and was heading to the Marine Corps Air Station in Miramar when it went missing.
Miramar station
© Marine Corps Air Station MiramarThe helicopter was heading to the Marine Corps Air Station in Miramar, known for being the home of the Top Gun program - and the movie of the same name.
The CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter was last reported in the Cleveland National Forest, near the US-Mexico border and about 35 miles east of its destination. The area is currently covered in snow, making the search more difficult, officials said.

The National Weather Service in San Diego called for 6 to 10 inches of snow in the mountains above 5,000 feet and gusty winds late Wednesday. On Tuesday afternoon a tornado warning was issued but quickly canceled with the weather service saying the storm was not capable of forming a twister.

The CH-53E Super Stallion is the heavy-lift chopper most commonly used by the Marines to transport troops and equipment.

According to the Navy, it is capable of 'launching amphibious assaults, facilitating logistics and maintenance, providing sustainment and supplies, and equipping the warfighter for mission success.'

The Miramar airbase is known for being the home of the Top Gun program - and the movie of the same name.