Marines Declared Dead in Hawaii Helicopter Crash

The 12 U.S. Marines aboard two helicopters that crashed off the coast of Hawaii are being memorialized at a ceremony on their home base in Hawaii.

The spirit of the missing Marines was reflected in the actions of the many dozens of service members and others in Hawaii who searched day and-night for the downed helicopters, Obama added. The families of the Marines have been notified of the status change.

The search began January 14 when a civilian on a beach reported seeing the helicopters flying and then a fireball.

The helicopters, each carrying six soldiers, belonged to the first Marine Aircraft Wing from the Marine Corps Air Station at Kaneohe Bay. A joint search-and-rescue effort led by the Coast Guard combed a debris field off Oahu's north shore for five days, turning up four empty life rafts and aircraft parts, but no survivors.

Irish also released new details about the Marines, whose ages ranged from 41 to 21.

Among those missing was a Philadelphia-area man, Capt. Brian T. Kennedy, 31, and a man from Central Pennsylvania, Sgt. Adam C. Schoeller, 25, of Gardners.

- Capt. Steven R. Torbert, 29, Florence, Ala.

Sempler, 22, from Woodruff, South Carolina joined the Marine Corps Aug. 12, 2010.

Drown, 23, from Spring, Texas, joined the Marine Corps March 2, 2011. Thomas J. Jardas, 22, of Fort Meyers, Florida; Cpl.

- Cpl. Christopher J. Orlando, 23, Hingham, Mass.

A memorial for the Marines is scheduled for Friday at Marine Corps Base in Hawaii. "As the squadron and families deal with this loss, I want you to know that help is available as we transition through our sadness and grief".

President Barack Obama says the country is grateful for the service and sacrifice of 12 Marines aboard two helicopters that crashed off the coast of Hawaii.

He declined further comment on his son as the search continues, but said, "we hope they're successful".

Sempler's hometown held a prayer vigil for the Marine and his family Monday.