The Missing Helicopter Carrying 5 Marines Found in California

In a recent development, the Marine Corps has announced that civil authorities in Southern California have successfully located a missing helicopter that was carrying five Marines. This news brings relief and closure to the concerned parties.

The search for the missing Marines aboard the aircraft is ongoing. Search-and-rescue efforts near Pine Valley, in San Diego County, are being managed by the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing.

Helicopter Carrying 5 Marines Found in CaliforniaPhoto byStar and Stripes

A CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter was reported overdue on Tuesday during its flight from Creech Air Force Base, Nevada, to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, according to a statement from the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing.

According to a statement, the Marines have been assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing.

Multiple federal, state, and local agencies, along with the San Diego County Sheriff's Department, are currently involved in a collaborative effort to locate the missing Marines.

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection reported that search efforts had to be scaled back due to poor visibility, despite the dispatch of firefighters.

San Diego is currently experiencing a winter storm that has brought heavy rainfall to the region, resulting in flash flood warnings. In an unusual occurrence, certain areas of San Diego County were placed under a tornado warning on Tuesday.

Search efforts are being hindered by the inclement weather, with snow and rain making conditions challenging. The San Diego sheriff's team has opted to utilize Jeeps in order to effectively traverse the challenging muddy terrain. The aviation unit is prepared and waiting for improved flying conditions.

The Source: nbcnews