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Statement From Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III on a Helicopter Crash in California

08 February 2024
We mourn the tragic loss of five U.S. Marines earlier this week during a training flight enroute from Nevada to California.

We mourn the tragic loss of five U.S. Marines earlier this week during a training flight enroute from Nevada to California. My prayers are with these brave Marines and their families, loved ones, and teammates.

As the Marine Corps investigates this deadly crash, it is yet another reminder that across our nation and the world our selfless service members put their lives on the line every day to keep our country safe. The entire Department of Defense honors these brave Marines' service and grieves their passing.

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