5 Marines killed in helicopter crash

It's perhaps the saddest thing that can happen in America.

Innocent service members who recently pledged to risk the ultimate sacrifice to defend our freedoms recently paid precisely that price.

Five Marines died in the crash of a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter that took place on Feb. 6 in California.

The Marine Corps has just released their identities:

- Lance Cpl. Donovan Davis, 21, a crew chief from Olathe, Kansas.

- Sgt. Alec Langen, 23, a crew chief from Chandler, Arizona.

- Capt. Benjamin Moulton, 27, a pilot from Emmett, Idaho.

- Capt. Jack Casey, 26, a pilot from Dover, New Hampshire.

- Capt. Miguel Nava, 28, a pilot from Traverse City, Michigan.

"We have been confronted with a tragedy that is every service family’s worst fear," Lt. Col. Nicholas Harvey said about the loss of the men. "Our top priority now is supporting the families of our fallen heroes, and we ask for your respect and understanding as they grieve." Harvey added:

The Flying Tigers family stands strong and includes the friends and community who have supported our squadron during this challenging time. We will get through this together.