A US Marine Corps helicopter, a CH-53E Super Stallion, has been reported missing with five marines on board while on a flight from Las Vegas to California. The helicopter was declared “overdue” by Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, and search efforts are currently underway. The missing marines were assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361, part of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department is assisting in the search operation.
The incident occurred during a winter storm that has brought heavy rain and snow to the area, making the search efforts challenging. Fire crews were dispatched to an area near Lake Morina, California, but they were unable to locate the missing helicopter. The bad weather conditions have hindered the rescue teams from conducting an effective search operation.
Introduced in 1981, the CH-53E Super Stallion is a fundamental part of Marine Corps aviation and is primarily used for transportation purposes. It has the capacity to carry up to 37 passengers and can also be utilized for combat situations and supply transportation. Additionally, the helicopter is used by the US and Japanese navies.
This incident is not the first involving the CH-53E Super Stallion. In April 2018, a Super Stallion crashed near El Centro, California during a training mission, resulting in the death of four troops. Furthermore, in January 2016, two Super Stallions collided over the Pacific near Oahu, Hawaii, leading to the tragic loss of 12 Marines.
The Marine Corps has faced other accidents in the region as well. In August, a Marine Corps pilot lost his life when his F/A-18 Hornet jet crashed near the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. Consequently, safety concerns have been raised regarding the Marine Corps’ aviation operations in the area.
The search and rescue operation for the missing helicopter is currently ongoing, with rescue teams working tirelessly to locate the aircraft and the missing marines. The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, along with other agencies, is coordinating efforts to ensure a comprehensive search. The adverse weather conditions pose a significant obstacle, but rescue teams remain determined in their mission to locate the missing helicopter and its crew.
As updates on the search and rescue operation become available, it is crucial for the public to stay informed and supportive. While accidents like these are unfortunate, they highlight the risks and challenges faced by military personnel in their daily operations. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the missing marines and their families, hoping for a safe and successful recovery operation.
