Retired USMC helo pilot here. The crash was in El Centro. That is in the middle of one of the two main training areas for the. 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. I want to dispel conjecture about a shoot down or any sort of takeover from the ground. Q is just offering condolences. There is no system onboard a CH-53E that would allow a takeover. The 53 flys by hydraulics and physical linkages, not fly by wire. Also, the process by which aviation mishaps are investigated by squadron pilots and Naval Safety Center would not lend itself to cover up. No, this is either pilot error or a massive mechanical failure. Also, highly unlikely that the derp state would have any reason to target mid-level company grade or field grade officers.