Marine squadron commander fired nine months after fatal helo crash

Marine Corps Leadership Change After Tragic Helicopter Crash

The U.S. Marine Corps has taken major action following a deadly helicopter crash earlier this year. Lieutenant Colonel Nicholas J. Harvey, who led Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361, has been removed from his position. This decision comes nine months after a tragic accident that claimed the lives of five Marines. Major General James B. Wellons, the commander of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, announced the dismissal, citing a “loss of trust and confidence” in Harvey’s leadership abilities. While the exact reasons for this decision remain undisclosed, the crash has raised serious concerns about safety within the Marine Corps.

What Happened in the Crash?

On February 6, 2024, a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter from Harvey’s squadron crashed during a routine training mission. The flight started at Creech Air Force Base in Nevada and was heading back to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in California. The crash happened in the rugged mountains of San Diego County during severe weather conditions.

It wasn’t until the next day that rescue teams located the wreckage. Sadly, all five Marines onboard lost their lives. The victims were:

• Lance Corporal Donovan Davis
• Sergeant Alec Langen
• Captain Benjamin Moulton
• Captain Jack Casey
• Captain Miguel Nava

The cause of the crash is still under investigation. However, the severe weather on that day has drawn criticism. Family members of the deceased have questioned why the flight was allowed to proceed under such dangerous conditions. Steven Langen, the father of Sergeant Alec Langen, expressed his frustration, urging the Marine Corps to make safety a top priority and reconsider its flight policies.

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Leadership Changes After the Tragedy

Lieutenant Colonel Harvey, a veteran Marine aviator, was relieved of his command. Harvey had served in the Marine Corps since 2004, with a career that included multiple deployments and leadership roles. He became the commander of Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361 in January 2023.

Following his removal, Lieutenant Colonel Kyleigh Cullen has taken over as the new commander of the squadron. The Marine Corps emphasized that the change in leadership was necessary to restore trust and improve safety measures.

Investigation and Safety Concerns

The Marine Corps is conducting a detailed investigation into the crash. A public report is expected once the investigation is complete. The findings will help determine what went wrong and whether changes in protocols or equipment are needed.

The loss of these five Marines has deeply affected their families and the wider military community. There have been calls for stronger safety measures and better decision-making to protect service members. The Marine Corps has promised to review its procedures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The Bigger Picture

This tragedy has highlighted the risks faced by military personnel during routine training missions. It has also raised questions about leadership accountability and the need for stricter safety protocols in military aviation. The Marine Corps now faces the challenge of ensuring that lessons are learned from this incident while honoring the memory of the five Marines who lost their lives.

By addressing safety concerns and improving operational practices, the Marine Corps can work towards preventing future tragedies and maintaining the trust of its service members and their families.