Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, San Diego, Calif., May 14, 2020. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Julian Elliott-Drouin)
The commander of a Miramar-based Marine helicopter squadron has been released from duty nine months after a fatal crash that killed five.
According to a statement from the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, Lt. Col. Nicholas J. Harvey, who headed Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361, was relieved of duty last month “due to a loss of trust and confidence in his ability to continue to serve in that position.''
The statement did not discuss specifics on Harvey's dismissal or whether the crash was a factor.
The crash happened on Feb. 6 when a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter carrying the Marines departed from Creech Air Force Base in Indian Springs, Nevada. It was headed to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.
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The aircraft wreckage was located the following day in Pine Valley.
The Marines killed in the crash were identified as:
- Lance Cpl. Donovan Davis, 21, of Olathe, Kansas, a CH-53E helicopter crew chief
- Sgt. Alec Langen, 23, of Chandler, Arizona, a CH-53E helicopter crew chief
- Capt. Benjamin Moulton, 27, of Emmett, Idaho, a CH-53E helicopter pilot
- Capt. Jack Casey, 26, of Dover, New Hampshire, a CH-53E helicopter pilot
- Capt. Miguel Nava, 28, of Traverse City, Michigan, a CH-53E helicopter pilot
