Two Marines killed in helicopter training exercise

TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif., Jan. 24 (UPI) -- Two U.S. Marines died when their helicopter crashed during a training mission at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Southern California.

The aircraft crashed about 4:30 Friday afternoon at the airbase, located about 130 miles east of Los Angeles. The names of the Marines will not be released until next of kin are notified.

"Our hearts go out to the families and friends of the two Marines we lost in this tragic accident," Maj. Gen. Michael Rocco said in a written statement. "We at Third Marine Aircraft Wing stand ready to provide support to their families."

California-based U.S. Marine helicopter crashes, two fatalities. Our hearts go out to the families of the Marines. pic.twitter.com/HLAEwvg7SN

— MCAS Miramar, 3rdMAW (@MCASMiramarCA) January 24, 2015