5 Marines Killed In Southern California Military Aircraft Crash

GLAMIS, CA — Five Marines died in a military aircraft crash Wednesday in Glamis, officials said Thursday.

As California Patch previously reported, an MV-22B Osprey belonging to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing crashed around 12:30 p.m. Wednesday about 120 miles east of San Diego.

Five Marines were on board the aircraft, which went down near Coachella Canal Road and Highway 78.

On Thursday, military officials said the Marines were with the Marine Aircraft Group 39, of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. All died following an "aviation mishap" during a training mission, officials said.

Maj. Gen. Bradford J. Gering, commanding general of the wing, said in a statement, "We mourn the loss of our Marines in this tragic mishap. Our hearts go out to their families and friends as they cope with this tragedy."

The names of the Marines will not be released until a day after their families have been notified, under military policy.

An investigation is ongoing. Efforts were underway to recover equipment. The military branch said that military service is inherently dangerous, but that the loss of life is always difficult. The branch pledged to provide support to the Marines' families, friends and fellow service members.

The aircraft was based at Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton.

The MV-22 Osprey is used by the Marine Corps to transport troops, equipment and supplies from ships and land bases. The Osprey can operate as a helicopter or a propeller-based aircraft.