US Army Identifies Soldiers Killed in Mediterranean Helicopter Crash: Grone, Barnes, Dwyer, Southard, and Wolfe

By | November 13, 2023

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Police – Accident – Death – Obituary News : Five US Soldiers Identified after Tragic Flight Training Crash in Mediterranean Sea

The Pentagon has released the names of the five US soldiers who tragically lost their lives in a horrific flight training crash over the weekend. The MH-60 Blackhawk helicopter went down in the Mediterranean Sea, claiming the lives of these brave Army aviation special operation forces.

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The fallen soldiers have been identified as Chief Warrant Officer 3 Stephen R. Dwyer, 38; Chief Warrant Officer 2 Shane M. Barnes, 34; Staff Sgt. Tanner W. Grone, 26; Sgt. Andrew P. Southard, 27; and Sgt. Cade M. Wolfe, 24. The Department of Defense expressed its condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers and stated that the US Army’s Combat Readiness Center is currently conducting an investigation into the incident.

New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu expressed his condolences to the family of Staff Sgt. Tanner Grone, a resident of the state who lost his life in the crash. Governor Sununu said, “Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of Staff Sgt. Grone and his four fellow soldiers who perished. Their bravery and devotion to this nation, and the protection of our freedoms, shall never be forgotten.”

Staff Sgt. Tanner W. Grone enlisted in the Army in 2017 as a UH-60 repairer. He served as a flight instructor and MH-60M crew chief for the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. Grone was highly decorated, receiving awards such as the Distinguished Flying Cross with Valor device and the Air Medal with Combat device. His parents, Steve and Erica Grone, expressed their pride in him in a heartfelt Facebook post, saying, “Thank you for all these amazing years. Please watch over us. Love you and can’t express how much you will be missed.”

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Stephen R. Dwyer received his commission from the US Military Academy in 2009. He served as an MH-60M pilot, mission planner, and instructor pilot in Iraq and Afghanistan. Dwyer was recognized with awards such as the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, and the Air Medal with Combat device.

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Chief Warrant Officer 2 Shane M. Barnes, a graduate of Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington, was also an MH-60M pilot. He completed deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan and received the Distinguished Flying Cross with Valor device and the Air Medal with Combat device.

Sgt. Andrew P. Southard enlisted in the Army in 2015 and served as an H-60M crew chief. He was deployed to Afghanistan and received two Army Commendation medals and an Army Achievement medal for his dedicated service.

Sgt. Cade M. Wolfe joined the Army in 2018 and served as an MH-60M crew chief. He was recognized with two Army Commendation medals and an Army Achievement medal for his contributions.

The tragic incident occurred amidst the US’ response to the October 7 attack on Israel by Hamas. In light of the ongoing unrest in the region, the US has established a force in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East. Two carrier strike groups are currently operating in the area, and additional crews and warplanes have been deployed by US Air Force squadrons. US special operations forces have also joined efforts to assist Israel in rescuing hostages in Gaza.

The loss of these five soldiers has deeply impacted their families, fellow servicemen, and the nation as a whole. Their bravery and sacrifice will forever be remembered and honored. The investigation into the crash will seek to uncover the cause of the tragic incident, ensuring that necessary measures are taken to prevent such accidents in the future..