In the midst of a historic storm pounding California with an atmospheric river, a missing Marine Corps helicopter carrying five personnel has been located in a mountainous region near San Diego. The CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter was discovered around 9 a.m. near Pine Valley, approximately 45 miles from San Diego, as severe weather conditions continue to pose challenges to the ongoing rescue mission.
The five U.S. Marines, members of Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361, were returning to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego from unit-level training at Creech Air Force Base, northwest of Las Vegas. The exact departure time from Creech and the expected arrival time at Miramar remain unknown. The region experienced heavy downpours throughout the night, and snowfall in San Diego County mountains further complicated search efforts.
The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department and Civil Air Patrol were enlisted for assistance, with the sheriff's department receiving a call at 1:50 a.m. A helicopter dispatched for the search was hindered by the atmospheric river storm, leading to the deployment of off-road vehicles to navigate the challenging terrain.
The military collaborated with the San Diego County Sheriff's Department and Civil Air Patrol, resulting in the discovery of the helicopter at 9:08 a.m. The rescue crews, comprising ground and aviation assets, face difficulties on the snowy terrain, but efforts persist to ensure the safe recovery of the missing personnel.
The Marine Corps personnel, part of Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing at Miramar, prompted President Joe Biden to be briefed on the situation. White House National Security spokesperson John Kirby conveyed, "We're watching this closely. Our thoughts are for the best."
Severe weather conditions, including heavy snowfall in the mountainous region, have complicated access to the area. Resources from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) are being mobilized, alongside coordination with the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Border Patrol, and the state Civil Air Patrol.
The CH-53E Super Stallion, renowned as the largest and heaviest helicopter in the military, possesses the capability to transport troops and equipment over rugged terrain in adverse weather conditions, including nighttime operations. Its presence in the challenging conditions of the Cleveland National Forest adds complexity to the ongoing rescue mission.
As the nation anxiously awaits updates, the hope remains for the safe recovery of the missing Marines amidst the relentless and unforgiving elements. The collaborative efforts of multiple agencies underscore the determination to bring the personnel home safely despite the challenging circumstances.