Officials confirmed that all five Marines aboard an Osprey plane that crashed in the Southern California desert on Wednesday were dead.
According to the Marine Corps, the five were killed in an “aviation mishap” that occurred near Glamis. This area is about 150 miles east from San Diego and known for its desert sand dunes.
“We are deeply sorry for the loss of these Marines in this terrible mishap. “Our hearts go out to their family and friends as they deal with this tragedy,” Maj. General Bradford J. Gering, commanding general of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing said in the statement.
According to the statement, the victims belonged to Marine Aircraft Group 39 (3rd Marine Aircraft Wing), an aviation squadron that is based in San Diego. The names of the victims were not released.
According to the statement, “Identities of deceased service personnel are not released until 24 hours after all next-of–kin notifications have been completed as a matter policy.”
Officials confirmed that the aircraft was located at Camp Pendleton, San Diego.
The crash was reported by the Imperial County Fire Department at 12:25 p.m.
It is not known what caused the crash.
Officials said that equipment recovery efforts have already begun and that the investigation is still ongoing.
The Marine Corps stated that while military service can be dangerous, it is not inherently unavoidable. However, losing a loved one is always devastating. “The 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing is dedicated to supporting the loved ones of fallen Marines.
Over the 20 years that it has been participating in U.S. military training exercises, and missions, the Osprey has experienced a turbulent history. It can land and take off like a helicopter, but it can also fly like an aircraft thanks to its tiltrotor engines.
Four Marines were killed when an Osprey crashed while training with NATO allies in Norway. It took place in extreme winter conditions.
