A U.S. Marine Corps helicopter crashed Tuesday — killing its four crew members — during exercises along the U.S.-Mexico border near Plaster City, Calif., military officials said.
“We are currently still responding to what we have confirmed as a single helicopter incident,” said a Facebook post from the nearby Naval Air Facility El Centro.
The naval facility sent fire and security units as well as other helicopters to the scene of the crash, KYMA-TV reported. The Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter reportedly belonged to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing in San Diego. – Fox News
Featured image by US Marine Corps
ARTA BEACH, Djibouti (Feb. 16, 2017) U.S. Marine Cpl. Christopher Russell, a landing support specialist, watches as a CH-53E Super Stallion lifts a concrete barrier during helicopter external load training at Arta Beach, Djibouti, Feb. 16. A CH-53E has the capability to lift up to 36,000 pounds and can lift most military vehicles ranging from a high mobility, multi-purpose, wheeled vehicle (Humvee) to a light armored vehicle. The Marines and Sailors of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit consistently train to keep their skills ready for crisis response and contingency operations throughout the Central Command area of responsibility. The Marines are with Combat Logistics Battalion 11 and the Stallion and crew are with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 163 (Reinforced), 11th MEU. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Brandon Maldonado)