Five Service Members from 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR) Killed in Military Aircraft Crash in Eastern Mediterranean Sea

Accident – Death – Obituary News : Fort Campbell, Kentucky – Tragedy struck the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR) based in Fort Campbell as five service members lost their lives in a fatal military aircraft crash in the eastern Mediterranean Sea on Friday evening. The U.S. European Command (EUCOM) reported that the aircraft encountered a mishap during a routine air refueling mission as part of military training, resulting in its crash into the sea and the unfortunate demise of all five service members on board.

In response to the incident, immediate search and rescue efforts were initiated, making use of nearby U.S. military aircraft and ships. The U.S. Department of Defense confirmed on Monday that the aircraft involved in the crash was an MH-60 Blackhawk. The fallen service members have been identified as Chief Warrant Officer 3 Stephen R. Dwyer of Clarksville, Tennessee; Chief Warrant Officer 2 Shane M. Barnes of Sacramento, California; Staff Sgt. Tanner W. Grone of Gorham, New Hampshire; Sgt. Andrew P. Southard of Apache Junction, Arizona; and Sgt. Cade M. Wolfe of Mankato, Minnesota.

The news of this tragic event coincided with Veterans Day, further intensifying the impact of the loss. State Representative Ronnie Glynn expressed his deep sadness and extended condolences to the families of the fallen service members, acknowledging the unfortunate timing of the accident and emphasizing the significance of their sacrifice. The City of Hopkinsville also shared a statement from Mayor James R. Knight, offering condolences and recognizing the ongoing sacrifices made by soldiers and their families for the sake of freedom. As a mark of respect, all flags on city-government properties will be flown at half-staff.

EUCOM conveyed their thoughts and prayers to the families of the fallen, while highlighting that the crash is currently under investigation. The U.S. Army Special Operations Command expressed their profound grief, describing the fallen soldiers as national treasures who hailed from families with deep military service ties spanning multiple generations and formations. They assured that the special operations community would come together to support the families in their time of mourning and pledged to honor the memory of the fallen soldiers.

At present, no further details regarding the incident have been released. However, reports indicate that the Pentagon has deployed additional American forces to the Middle East following an attack by Hamas militants on Israel on October 7. The U.S. military has reportedly dispatched the Norfolk-based USS Gerald R. Ford strike group to the eastern Mediterranean and the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower strike group to the Persian Gulf in response to the escalating situation.

This tragic accident serves as a stark reminder of the risks and sacrifices made by service members in the line of duty. As investigations into the crash continue, the nation mourns the loss of these brave individuals and stands united in support of their families and loved ones during this difficult time..