Five U.S. Soldiers from Ft. Campbell-based 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment Killed in Helicopter Crash

Accident – Death – Obituary News : Five U.S. soldiers from the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR), based in Ft. Campbell, have tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash in the Mediterranean Sea off the southeastern coast of Cyprus, according to the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD). The DOD has released the names of the fallen soldiers, who were all members of the renowned regiment.

The incident occurred during aerial refueling training on Friday, November 10, when the MH-60 Blackhawk encountered an in-flight emergency, leading to the fatal crash. The Defense Department officials have clarified that there is no evidence to suggest that the crash was a result of enemy or hostile actions.

The five soldiers have been identified as Chief Warrant Officer 3 Stephen R. Dwyer, aged 38, hailing from Clarksville, Tennessee; Chief Warrant Officer 2 Shane M. Barnes, aged 34, from Sacramento, California; Staff Sgt. Tanner W. Grone, aged 26, from Gorham, New Hampshire; Sgt. Andrew P. Southard, aged 27, from Apache Junction, Arizona; and Sgt. Cade M. Wolfe, aged 24, from Mankato, Minnesota.

Upon receiving news of the tragic incident, President Joe Biden expressed his condolences. In a statement, he said, “Today, Jill and I mourn the loss of five American service members who died when their aircraft crashed in the Mediterranean Sea during a routine training mission. Our service members put their lives on the line for our country every day. They willingly take risks to keep the American people safe and secure. And their daily bravery and selflessness is an enduring testament to what is best in our nation. Jill and I are praying for the families and friends who have lost a precious loved one—a piece of their soul.”

President Biden also emphasized that the entire nation shares the grief of the families affected by this tragedy. He stated, “We once more affirm the sacred obligation we bear to those who volunteer to serve our nation as well as their families, caregivers, and survivors. We pray for the families of all our fallen warriors today and every day.”

The investigation into the incident is being conducted by the U.S. Army’s Combat Readiness Center.

In a poignant tribute, the U.S. Army Special Operations Command Public Affairs, via the Associated Press, has released a photo collage featuring the fallen soldiers: Chief Warrant Officer 3 Stephen R. Dwyer, Sgt. Andrew P. Southard, Staff Sgt. Tanner W. Grone, Sgt. Cade M. Wolfe, and Chief Warrant Officer 2 Shane M. Barnes.

This devastating incident serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by servicemen and women in their unwavering commitment to protecting their country. The loss of these five courageous soldiers has left a void in their families and communities, and the nation mourns their untimely demise..