MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. -- Four Marines from 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing were killed as a result of a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter crash in the vicinity of El Centro, California, at approximately 2:35 p.m. (PST), April 3, 2018.   The aircraft departed the Strategic Expeditionary Landing Field at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, to conduct squadron training consisting of aircraft landings in unimproved zones. 
 
The mishap occurred approximately 15 miles west of El Centro.
 
The cause of the crash is currently under investigation. 
 
The names of the deceased will be withheld until 24 hours after next-of-kin notification. 
 
All releasable information is contained within this release and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.