New Hampshire soldier among 5 killed in aircraft crash over Mediterranean

GORHAM, N.H. — A New Hampshire soldier was one of the five people killed when an aircraft crashed over the Mediterranean Sea.

The U.S. Department of Defense on Sunday said that five service members were killed during a training accident on Saturday morning.

Staff Sgt. Tanner W. Grone, 26, of Gorham, New Hampshire, was among the five killed. The Department of Defense says Grone enlisted in 2017.

The MH-60 Blackhawk was conducting aerial refueling training when the aircraft experienced an in-flight emergency resulting in the crash.

The other four killed were:

• Chief Warrant Officer 3 Stephen R. Dwyer, 38 of Clarksville, Tennessee
• Chief Warrant Officer 2 Shane M. Barnes, 34, of Sacramento, California
• Sgt. Andrew P. Southard, 27, of Apache Junction, Arizona
• Sgt. Cade M. Wolfe, 24, of Mankato, Minnesota.

There are no indications the crash was caused by enemy or hostile actions, the DOD said.

“We mourn the loss of these five incredible soldiers, each of them a national treasure. They hail from rare patriotic families with deep military service ties that span multiple generations and formations,” said Lt. Gen. Jonathan Braga, commander of the U.S. Army Special Operations Command.

“This is devastating news that reverberates across the entire Special Operations community. Every loss is tough, but in this case, service to the Nation is truly a family business and it’s hard to express the amount of sorrow that we all feel right now.” said Braga. “Our thoughts and prayers are with their families, their loved ones, and their fellow soldiers. Like the Special Operations community always does, we will wrap our arms around them, grieve with them, and promise to never forget them.”

Grone enlisted in 2017 as a 15T UH-60 “Black Hawk” repairer and was assigned to the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment.

The Department of Defense says that after completing the Regiment’s extensive assessment and training program in 2018, Grone reported to Co. F, 1st Battalion, 160th SOAR for service as an MH-60M Repairer. Six months after that, Grone reported to Co. C, 1st Bn., 160th SOAR and served as a Flight Instructor and Fully Mission Qualified MH-60M Crew Chief.

“While serving in the 160th SOAR, Grone deployed multiple times to Iraq in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, and supported several no-notice deployments and exercises worldwide in support of national security objectives,” according to statement from the Department of Defense.

“Chief Warrant Officer 3 Stephen Dwyer, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Shane Barnes, Staff Sgt. Tanner Grone, Sgt. Andrew Southard, and Sgt. Cade Wolfe were truly SOF professionals and are among the Nation’s finest soldiers. Their loss has left an indelible void within this Regiment that will never be filled,” said Col. Roger P. Waleski Jr., commander of the 160th SOAR.

The crash remains under investigation.

“These teammates demonstrated the highest level of dedication to the 160th SOAR and their exemplary service in the Army is the embodiment of what it means to be a Night Stalker and a Soldier.” said Waleski. “Our priority now is to ensure the families of our fallen warriors receive our complete support as we work through this tragedy together. We ask that you keep Stephen, Shane, Tanner, Andrew, Cade, their Families, and fellow Night Stalkers in your thoughts and prayers.”

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The Department of Defense says Grone’s awards and decorations include the Air Medal with Combat device, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal with combat device, Army Achievement medal, two Army Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Combat Action Badge, and the Basic Aviation Badge.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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