PINE VALLEY, Calif. — The five Marines killed in a helicopter crash earlier this month were honored in a memorial on Friday, according to the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS).
More than 500 Marines, family members and friends gathered for the service, DVIDS said.
At the memorial the national anthem was played, followed by a presentation of five battlefield crosses. There were also flight helmets, flight gear, boots and Marine Corps service rifles sitting in front of a portrait of each of the five men.
Each Marine had a friend and fellow squadron member give remarks about their shared experiences and the lasting impact they had on those around them.
Near the end of the ceremony, “The Marines’ Prayer” was recited and a final roll call was given. The final roll call is a military ritual performed to pay tribute to fallen members of a unit. It's meant to signify the last time their name will be called in the Marine Corps.
One of the marines, Capt. Miguel Nava, 28, was born in Traverse City and grew up in Comstock Park. He graduated from Comstock Park High School.
Nava leaves behind his wife and their newborn child. Community members organized a fundraiser to help support his wife and child during this difficult time. That can be found here.
The five MCAS Miramar-based Marines were on a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter on a flight from Creech Air Force Base in Indian Springs, Nevada, approximately 350 miles away from MCAS Miramar in San Diego, California. Their helicopter was located on the morning of Feb. 7 after it crashed in rough terrain in Pine Valley, located near San Diego.
In a statement, the Marine Corps identified the following victims of the crash:
- Lance Cpl. Donovan Davis, 21, of Olathe, Kansas, a CH-53E helicopter crew chief.
- Sgt. Alec Langen, 23, of Chandler, Arizona, a CH-53E helicopter crew chief.
- Capt. Benjamin Moulton, 27, of Emmett, Idaho, a CH-53E helicopter pilot.
- Capt. Jack Casey, 26, of Dover, New Hampshire, a CH-53E helicopter pilot.
- Capt. Miguel Nava, 28, of Traverse City, Michigan, a CH-53E helicopter pilot.
Donovan Davis enlisted in the Marine Corps on September 3, 2019, and was promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal on January 1, 2024. His decorations include the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and a Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.
Alec Langen enlisted in the Marine Corps on September 14, 2017, and was promoted to the rank of Sergeant on October 1, 2022. His decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and two Sea Service Deployment Ribbons.
Benjamin Moulton was commissioned in the Marine Corps on March 29, 2019, and was promoted to the rank of Captain on August 1, 2023. His decorations include the National Defense Service Medal.
Jack Casey was commissioned in the Marine Corps on May 16, 2019, and was promoted to the rank of Captain on September 1, 2023. His decorations include the National Defense Service Medal.
Miguel Nava was commissioned in the Marine Corps on May 26, 2017, and was promoted to the rank of Captain on November 1, 2021. His decorations include the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.
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