The U.S. Marine Corps identified the pilot killed in last week's helicopter crash in the California desert as Maj. Tyler R. Braconi, a 35-year-old California native and decorated Marine aviator based at Camp Pendleton.

Maj. Tyler R. Braconi was killed in an AH-1Z Viper crash in Southern California on Thursday. A second, unidentified Marine was injured in the crash.

Braconi became a decorated officer after joining the Marine Corps in 2012. He attained the rank of major in 2022 and received a Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with four bronze stars, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.

Vice President JD Vance rang in the Marine Corps’ 250th at Camp Pendleton, praising fellow Marines after an assault demo and pledging they are ready to fight and win.

The Marine Corps plans to conduct an artillery demonstration at Camp Pendleton to commemorate their 250th anniversary, sparking controversy over firing artillery shells over a major freeway in Southern California.

A U.S. Marine Corps pilot based out of Marine Corps Air Station Miramar was killed and another was injured after their helicopter crashed during a training exercise in Imperial County on Thursday, military officials said Friday.

The White House accused California Gov. Gavin Newsom of distorting facts after he blamed the Trump administration for highway delays due to the Marine Corps anniversary celebration.