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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, generally known 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 useless. The second pilot was transported to Desert Regional Medical Middle in Palm Springs in steady situation, officers mentioned.
Maj. Gen. James B. Wellons, the commanding common of the third Marine Plane Wing, expressed condolences and help to the family and friends of the fallen Marine.
“It’s with profound unhappiness that I share the lack of a Marine from third Marine Plane Wing and the ‘Gunfighters’ whereas conducting a coaching flight in help of the Marine Corps Weapons and Ways Teacher Course,” he mentioned in an announcement. “This Marine made the final word sacrifice, and we’re endlessly 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 help and reconnaissance for Marine forces worldwide. The squadron earned its “Gunfighters” nickname in the course of the Vietnam Conflict 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 navy helicopter crashed en path to a Marine air station in San Diego. In December 2024, a navy helicopter caught fireplace midflight and made an emergency touchdown at Camp Pendleton, the place all 4 of its crew members had been in a position to evacuate safely.
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