LOS ANGELES, Feb 8, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - Five US service members missing after their helicopter crashed this week in southern California have been confirmed dead, the US Marine Corps said Thursday.

"It is with a heavy heart and profound sadness that I share the loss of five outstanding Marines from 3d Marine Aircraft Wing and the 'Flying Tigers' while conducting a training flight" on Tuesday night, Major General Michael Borgschulte, commander of the Third Marine Aircraft Wing, said in a statement.

 The CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter crashed while flying from Creech Air Force Base in Nevada to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, the military said.