The Pentagon has identified 34-year-old Shane Barnes as one of the five Army aviation special operations forces who died in a helicopter crash in the Eastern Mediterranean. The MH-60 Blackhawk helicopter crashed during a routine refueling mission, and the cause is currently under investigation. Barnes, a chief warrant officer 2, was a graduate of Jesuit High School and a father of two young daughters. The other service members who died in the crash have also been identified. KTVU FOX 2 reported
The Pentagon has identified one of the victims of a military helicopter crash in the Eastern Mediterranean as 34-year-old Shane Barnes, a Sacramento man. Barnes was on board an MH-60 Blackhawk helicopter when it experienced an in-flight emergency and crashed into the sea during a routine refueling mission as part of military training. The tragic incident resulted in the deaths of Barnes and four other Army aviation special operations forces.
According to KCRA3 Sacramento, the U.S. Army’s Combat Readiness Center is currently investigating the crash. However, they have stated that there is no evidence to suggest that the crash was caused by hostile actions. Barnes held the rank of chief warrant officer 2 and was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment.
Barnes was a graduate of Jesuit High School, a private school in Carmichael. He had been married for just over 10 years and was the father of two young daughters, aged 5 and 1. His family expressed their pride in him, stating that he understood the risks associated with his job and still chose to serve his country. His wife, Specialist Reanna Walton, described his decision to serve as the highest honor anyone could ever have and carry.
The other individuals who lost their lives in the crash have also been identified. They are Chief Warrant Officer 3 Stephen R. Dwyer of Clarksville, Tennessee; 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.
This tragic incident highlights the risks and sacrifices made by military personnel in their line of duty. The investigation into the crash will hopefully provide more insight into the cause of the in-flight emergency, offering closure to the families and honoring the memory of those who lost their lives..