I think this covers it with out me saying anything:
Statement from 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Commanding General
The 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing continues to prioritize the recovery of our fallen warriors and focus on supporting the families of Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361 in the wake of this tragic mishap. As you are aware, the five Marines aboard the CH-53E were confirmed deceased at the crash site. Casualty Assistance Calls Officers notified each Marine's next-of-kin the evening of February 7th and morning of February 8th in person.
Our fallen warriors' fellow Marines have remained by their side - as Marines do - taking shifts throughout the night at the mishap site, keeping watch over them, despite the hazardous weather conditions. Our fallen Marines were - and continue to be - guarded by their brothers and sisters.
Since the early hours of February 7th, numerous Marine Corps, federal, state, and local agencies have been involved in locating the crash site and the recovery of our Marines. Despite the challenging weather conditions, both ground and air options were pursued, to include San Diego County Sheriff's aircraft, Marine Corps fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft, U.S. Border Patrol unmanned aircraft, Civil Air Patrol equipment and personnel, and Marine Corps ground units specially trained in aircraft mishap recovery operations. Today, we shifted our focus to the professional recovery of the remains of our fallen.
This entire effort is possible through the tremendous assistance of numerous agencies including the San Diego County Sheriff's Department, the Civil Air Patrol, the U.S. Border Patrol, the U.S. Forest Service, the State of California Department of Forest and Fire Protection, the California Highway Patrol, the United States Coast Guard, and many others. The 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing is incredibly grateful to all the men and women who have supported our efforts to this point. We are in awe of your sacrifice, teamwork, and genuine sympathy and empathy.
We look forward to continuing to work with many of these agencies as we bring our Marines home and then turn our attention to the investigative process. This tragic mishap will be thoroughly investigated to identify the causes, learn from them, and take action to reduce future mishaps.
We remain Semper Fidelis - Always Faithful - to our Marines and their families. The Marine Corps will continue to honor the memory of our fallen warriors and ensure our #1 focus is on supporting their families through the difficult days ahead
-Maj. Gen. Michael J. Borgschulte Commanding General, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing