Tragic Helicopter Crash Claims Lives of 5 Marines in California

Marine Sgt. Alec Langen from Chandler, Arizona, was among the five people killed in a military helicopter crash near San Diego. The CH-53E Super Stallion vanished while returning to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar after training at Creech Air Force Base. Langen, a crew chief, had dreamed of becoming a Marine since childhood and had recently gotten married. The cause of the crash is under investigation, and recovery efforts are ongoing amid severe weather conditions. Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III expressed condolences and emphasized the selfless service of the Marines.