Five U.S. Army Special Operations Aviation Soldiers Killed in Mediterranean Helicopter Crash Identified

Accident – Death – Obituary News : WASHINGTON D.C., DC — The tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of five U.S. Army Special Operations aviation soldiers over the Mediterranean Sea on Friday has left the nation mourning. The Department of Defense (DoD) has identified the fallen soldiers 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 DoD released a statement expressing their condolences, stating, “Our thoughts and prayers remain with the families of the fallen.” The soldiers were engaged in aerial refueling training when their MH-60 Blackhawk helicopter experienced an in-flight emergency, ultimately resulting in the crash. The DoD has clarified that there is currently no evidence to suggest hostile activity contributed to the incident.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin also expressed his grief and admiration for the fallen soldiers, acknowledging their selfless dedication to protecting the nation. “While we continue to gather more information about this deadly crash, it is another stark reminder that the brave men and women who defend our great nation put their lives on the line each and every day to keep our country safe,” Austin said. “They represent the best of America. We will remember their service and their sacrifice.”

The U.S. Army’s Combat Readiness Center is currently investigating the crash to determine the cause. The soldiers belonged to the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, which is based at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. This regiment consists of nearly 3,000 soldiers and operates over 200 aircraft, according to the U.S. Army Special Operations Command.

The incident occurred amidst an increase in U.S. force presence in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East in response to an attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7. Currently, four helicopter squadrons from Hampton Roads are deployed to the Eastern Mediterranean, accompanied by two carrier strike groups. Additionally, U.S. Air Force squadrons have received additional crews and warplanes, while U.S. special operations forces have been deployed to support Israel in its efforts to rescue hostages in Gaza.

As the nation mourns the loss of these brave soldiers, their sacrifice serves as a reminder of the risks undertaken by those who defend the country. The investigation into the crash will provide more clarity on the circumstances surrounding the incident, but for now, the focus remains on honoring the memory of Chief Warrant Officer 3 Stephen R. Dwyer, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Shane M. Barnes, Staff Sgt. Tanner W. Grone, Sgt. Andrew P. Southard, and Sgt. Cade M. Wolfe. Their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

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