Tragic Helicopter Crash Claims Lives of 5 US Troops over Mediterranean

Five U.S. Army aviation special operations forces, including Chief Warrant Officer 2 Shane M. Barnes from Sacramento, were killed in a helicopter crash during an air refueling mission in the Eastern Mediterranean. The fallen soldiers were highly decorated and part of the Army's 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. The U.S. has increased its force presence in the region in response to recent attacks on Israel, with additional carrier strike groups, Air Force squadrons, and special operations forces deployed to assist in rescue efforts.