(KTNV) — Five U.S. Marines who were on board a helicopter that went missing after taking off from an air base northwest of Las Vegas are dead, U.S. officials announced Thursday morning.
The marines were on board a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter that took off from Creech Air Force Base Tuesday night en route to another air station near San Diego.
Wednesday morning, search teams from multiple state and federal agencies located the helicopter in Pine Valley, Calif. But the five marines were still unaccounted for, according to statements from the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing.
Identities of the service members will not be released until 24 hours after their family members have been notified, officials said.
The five service members were assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361, Marine Aircraft Group 16 and 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, officials said previously.
It was not immediately known whether any had been based in Nevada.
Thursday morning, President Joe Biden wrote that he and First Lady Jill Biden were "heartbroken at the loss of...five of our nation's finest warriors."
"Our service members represent the very best of our nation—and these five Marines were no exception," Biden stated. "Today, as we mourn this profound loss, we honor their selfless service and ultimate sacrifice—and reaffirm the sacred obligation we bear to all those who wear the uniform and their families."
