Two killed in Camp Pendleton helicopter crash identified

 
The Marine Corps released the names Tuesday of two Marines killed in a helicopter crash at Camp Pendleton.

Capt. Jeffrey Bland of Champaign, Ill., and 1st Lt. Thomas Heitmann of Mendota, Ill., were killed when their AH-1 Cobra crashed Monday during a training exercise.

They were assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Training Squadron 303, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing.

"During this difficult time, I ask that you pray for the families of the warriors that we have lost," said Lt. Col. Robert Morgan, the squadron's commanding officer.

The cause of the crash was under investigation.

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Photo: AH-1 Cobra helicopter in Afghanistan. Credit: U.S. Marine Corps