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One Marine died and one other was hospitalized after their helicopter crashed in a desert space of Imperial County throughout a coaching mission Thursday.
An AH-1Z Viper carrying two pilots from Marine Mild Assault Helicopter Squadron 369, referred to as the “Gunfighters,” crashed in an unpopulated space of Imperial Gables round 7:05 p.m., in accordance with the U.S. Marine Corps.
The primary pilot was taken to Pioneers Memorial Hospital in Brawley, the place he was pronounced lifeless. The second pilot was transported to Desert Regional Medical Heart in Palm Springs in secure situation, officers mentioned.
Maj. Gen. James B. Wellons, the commanding normal of the third Marine Plane Wing, expressed condolences and assist to the family and friends of the fallen Marine.
“It’s with profound disappointment that I share the lack of a Marine from third Marine Plane Wing and the ‘Gunfighters’ whereas conducting a coaching flight in assist of the Marine Corps Weapons and Techniques Teacher Course,” he mentioned in a press release. “This Marine made the last word sacrifice, and we’re perpetually grateful for his selfless dedication and willingness to enter hurt’s manner.”
The id of the Marine is being withheld till 24 hours after his subsequent of kin has been notified.
HMLA-369 flies AH-1Z Viper assault helicopters and UH-1Y Venom utility helicopters, offering air assist and reconnaissance for Marine forces worldwide. The squadron earned its “Gunfighters” nickname in the course of the Vietnam Struggle and has since served in main operations together with Operations Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.
In February 2024, 5 Marines died when a army helicopter crashed en path to a Marine air station in San Diego. In December 2024, a army helicopter caught fireplace midflight and made an emergency touchdown at Camp Pendleton, the place all 4 of its crew members have been capable of evacuate safely.
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