Pentagon Releases Identities of Army Soldiers Killed in Eastern Mediterranean Sea Helicopter Crash

The Pentagon has released the names of the five special operations aviators who lost their lives in a training flight accident in the eastern Mediterranean Sea on Friday evening. They have been identified as Chief Warrant Officer 3 Stephen R. Dwyer, 38, from Clarksville, Tennessee; Chief Warrant Officer 2 Shane M. Barnes, 34, from Sacramento, California; Staff Sgt. Tanner W. Grone, 26, from Gorham, New Hampshire; Sgt. Andrew P. Southard, 27, from Apache Junction, Arizona; and Sgt. Cade M. Wolfe, 24, from Mankato, Minnesota.

On Monday, Col. Roger P. Waleski Jr., commander of the 160th SOAR (Abn.), expressed that Chief Warrant Officer 3 Stephen Dwyer, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Shane Barnes, Staff Sgt. Tanner Grone, Sgt. Andrew Southard, and Sgt. Cade Wolfe were exceptional professionals in the special operations forces (SOF) and are counted among the country's finest soldiers. He further conveyed that their departure has created an irreplaceable void in the regiment.

Lt. Gen. Jonathan Braga, the leader of US Army Special Operations Command, expressed his profound sadness on Monday regarding the news of the five soldiers who lost their lives. He emphasized that this loss deeply impacts the entire Special Operations community. Braga went on to recognize the remarkable qualities of these soldiers, referring to them as invaluable national assets. Furthermore, he acknowledged the unique patriotism ingrained in their families, which have a longstanding tradition of military service across various generations and units.

The accident took place on Friday during a standard air refueling mission, as stated by the US European Command. Currently, investigations are being conducted to determine the cause of the accident.

Two US officials have revealed that the special operations forces were present in the area as part of the military's comprehensive contingency planning related to the conflict between Israel and Hamas. This planning includes the potential evacuation of US citizens from the region if necessary.

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Dwyer's service details, as provided by the Army Special Operations Command, indicate that he was originally commissioned as a field artillery officer in 2009 after attending the United States Military Academy. He later transitioned to a warrant officer and completed flight school in 2018. Dwyer served with the 160th SOAR and was deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. In addition, he supported various no-notice deployments and exercises around the world. The Army also recognizes his achievements and contributions with military awards and decorations, including the Bronze Star, Air Medal with Combat device, Meritorious Service Medal, four Army Commendation Medals, and the Ranger Tab.

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Barnes transitioned from studying English literature at Gonzaga University in 2011 to becoming a UH-60L Black Hawk pilot. In Korea, he demonstrated exceptional leadership as a platoon leader and pilot in command. In 2016, he joined the 160th SOAR and led a platoon. The Army release states that in 2020, Barnes solidified his commitment to the organization by resigning his commission and becoming a warrant officer. Throughout his time with the 160th, Barnes served in Afghanistan and Iraq, taking part in numerous unanticipated deployments and exercises.

Barnes has been honored with prestigious military awards and decorations, including the Distinguished Flying Cross with Valor device, the Air Medal with Combat device, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Army Achievement Medal.

Staff Sgt. Grone joined the Army in 2017 as a Black Hawk repairer, as per his service records. He was then assigned to the 160th SOAR, where he worked as a flight instructor and MH-60M Black Hawk crew chief. Throughout his career, he undertook multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as various unexpected deployments and exercises. Among his honors and decorations are the Air Medal with Combat device, Army Commendation Medal, and Army Achievement Medal with combat device.

Sgt. Southard enlisted in 2015 as a Black Hawk repairer and initially served in the 1st Armored Division's Combat Aviation Brigade. This year, he chose to volunteer for an assignment with the 160th SOAR and successfully completed the regiment's rigorous training and assessment program.

Deployed to Afghanistan as part of the 1st Armored Division's Combat Aviation Brigade, Sgt. Wolfe has earned several military awards and decorations, including two Army Commendation Medals, Army Achievement Medal, and the Overseas Service Ribbon. He initially joined the Army in 2018 as a Black Hawk repairer and was stationed with the 25th Combat Aviation Brigade in Hawaii. After successfully completing the rigorous assessment and training program of the 160th SOAR, Wolfe was then assigned to 1st Battalion, 160th SOAR, where he served as a MH-60M Black Hawk crew chief. In addition to his aforementioned accolades, he also holds an Army Achievement Medal alongside the Overseas Service Ribbon.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasized that the crash served as a powerful reminder of the selfless dedication displayed by the courageous individuals who protect our nation. He further stated that these individuals embody the finest qualities of America.