(NewsNation) — Five Marines are missing after a helicopter failed to make it to the Miramar Air Station.
The U.S. Marine Corps confirmed a search and rescue mission has begun in coordination with civil authorities. Here’s what we know so far.
The flight
The Marines were flying a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter from Creech Air Force Base to Miramar, but the helicopter was reported overdue on Feb. 6, 2024. Cal Fire reported a call coming in around 2:20 a.m. regarding the missing aircraft.
Search efforts
The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, Civil Air Patrol and Cal Fire are assisting with the search and a command post has been set up off Interstate 8 near Pine Valley. The search is complicated by snow in the area.
The helicopter
The Super Stallion can carry up to 55 people and is primarily used to transport heavy equipment and supplies during on-shore and amphibious assault missions. The craft can lift up to 16 tons and can be refueled mid-flight.
The Marines are with the Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361, attached to Marine Aircraft Group 16 with the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing.
This is a developing story. Check back for more details.
