The recent helicopter crash in California that claimed the lives of five Marines has left their families devastated and searching for answers. As they mourn their loved ones, they are also questioning why these tragic deaths occurred and whether they could have been prevented.
Steven Langen, father of Sgt. Alec Langen, expressed his frustration and called for accountability. He stated, “Maybe this is the one instance to where they wake the f— up and they say, ‘What are we doing to our service members? We’ve got to stop this.'” Langen believes that the loss of these brave Marines is unfortunately all too common in the military community.
Bradford Moulton, the uncle of Capt. Benjamin Moulton, echoed these sentiments, wishing that the men had been kept on the ground during the storm. He referred to it as a “thousand-year storm” and questioned the decision to allow the helicopter to take off in such dangerous conditions. Gregory Davis, the father of Lance Cpl. Donovan Davis, also expressed his belief that the crash could have been avoided and should not have happened.
The families of these fallen Marines paint a picture of dedicated individuals who were proud to serve their country. Donovan Davis, at just 21 years old, was described by his father as someone who loved his job and was proud to be a Marine. Langen shared that his son had enlisted in the Marines on his 17th birthday, showing his deep commitment to serving his country. Capt. Benjamin Moulton, 27, was determined to become a Marine pilot, and that was his ultimate goal.
The loss of these brave individuals is a tragedy that highlights the risks and sacrifices that our military members face every day. Lt. Col. Nicholas J. Harvey, commanding officer of the Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361 (HMH-361), expressed his condolences and emphasized the importance of supporting the families during this difficult time. He stated, “Our top priority now is supporting the families of our fallen heroes, and we ask for your respect and understanding as they grieve.”
The cause of the crash is currently under investigation, and it is crucial that a thorough examination takes place to determine what went wrong. The CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter, known for its ability to fly in adverse weather conditions, is designed to withstand challenging environments. However, it is essential to understand if any mechanical failures or other factors contributed to this tragic incident.
Unfortunately, this is not the first time that our military has experienced such devastating accidents. In recent months, there have been other incidents involving the loss of service members during training exercises. These incidents raise concerns about the training protocols and safety measures in place to protect our military personnel.
As we mourn the loss of these brave Marines, it is crucial that we reflect on the sacrifices they made and ensure that their deaths were not in vain. The families of these fallen heroes deserve answers, accountability, and most importantly, the reassurance that steps will be taken to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Our military members put their lives on the line to protect our freedoms, and it is our duty to ensure their safety and well-being in return.
