About the 490 Crew

The 490 Crew — 160th SOAR Night Stalkers (November 10, 2023)

On November 10, 2023, five brave members of the U.S. Army’s 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), widely known as the “Night Stalkers,” lost their lives when their MH-60M Black Hawk helicopter crashed during overwater training just of the coast of Cyprus. 

These five warriors—Chief Warrant Officer 3 Stephen R. Dwyer, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Shane M. Barnes, Staff Sergeant Tanner W. Grone, Sergeant Andrew P. Southard, and Sergeant Cade M. Wolfe—were among the Regiment’s finest. Their legacy is one of sacrifice, leadership, and devotion to duty. 

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Stephen R. Dwyer, Jr. (38)

Home of record: Clarksville, Tennessee 

Steve Dwyer’s military journey began when he graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 2009. For six years, he served as a commissioned Field Artillery Officer, deploying on combat missions, before choosing to transition into Army aviation. 

In 2018, he became a warrant officer and joined the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) as an MH-60M pilot. Over time, he built a reputation as a mission planner, instructor pilot, and consummate professional. 

His distinguished awards include the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Air Medal with Combat Device. He is survived by his wife, three children, parents, 3 siblings, and a host of comrades who remember him as a leader, friend, and devoted family man. 

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Shane M. Barnes (34)

Home of record: Sacramento, California

Shane Barnes was a 2007 graduate of Jesuit High School in Sacramento and later earned an English Literature degree from Gonzaga University on an ROTC scholarship.  He entered flight school at Fort Rucker, Alabama and became a UH-60L/M Black Hawk pilot. 

He first served as a platoon leader and pilot in Korea before being selected for the 160th SOAR.  Barnes later resigned his commission to become a warrant officer—demonstrating his commitment to the aviation mission. 

Among his decorations was the Distinguished Flying Cross with Valor, reflecting his courage and excellence in flight operations. His wife, 2 daughters, parents, brother and many friends mourn his loss deeply. 

Staff Sergeant Tanner W. Grone (25)

Hometown: Gorham, New Hampshire 

Tanner Wolf Grone was born August 18, 1998, in Berlin, New Hampshire, and grew up in Gorham. After high school, he briefly attended the University of New Hampshire to study engineering before deciding to enlist in the Army. 

He enlisted in 2017 as a UH-60 repairer (MOS 15T) and excelled in his training, later becoming an MH-60M crew chief with the 160th SOAR. Grone deployed multiple times to Iraq in support of Operation Inherent Resolve and to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. 

Among his awards were the Distinguished Flying Cross with Valor, Air Medal (with combat device), Army Commendation Medal, and Army Achievement Medal (with combat device).  He also had aspirations to attend flight school. 

He leaves behind his parents, Erica and Steve, sister Emily, and a large extended family—Tanner’s passion, dedication, and personality were a source of pride and inspiration. 

Sergeant Andrew P. Southard (27)

Home of record: Apache Junction, Arizona 

Andy Southard enlisted in 2015 as a Black Hawk repairer (MOS 15T) and was later selected for assignment to 160th SOAR. As a crew chief, he supported critical operational and training missions, contributing to the high standards of the Night Stalkers.  He deployed to Afghanistan and supported various training missions in his career.

Andy leave behind his wife, daughter, step-son, parents, and brother. His sacrifice and dedication are remembered by his family, fellow soldiers, and community.

Sergeant Cade M. Wolfe (24)

Home of record: Mankato, Minnesota 

Cade Wolfe enlisted in 2018 and began his service as a Black Hawk repairer. He later became a crew chief with the 160th SOAR, fulfilling a dream of aviation he had from a young age.

Growing up in Mankato, Minnesota, Cade was known for his love of extreme sports, motorcycles, skateboarding, and snowboarding—reflecting the boldness he would carry into his military career. He leaves behind a wife,  parents,  and a family that cherished his warmth, determination, and commitment. 

Legacy & Remembrance

The crash was a devastating blow to the 160th SOAR, the broader Special Operations community, and the families and hometowns of these five patriots. Their service spanned multiple combat deployments, high-risk missions, and years of dedication. 

The recovery of their remains and the helicopter in the months following the crash was carried out by Navy and Army salvage teams, honoring the commitment to bring them home. The loss is deeply felt across the military and civilian communities alike.

We honor their memory, their courage, and their sacrifice. May the stories of Steve, Shane, Tanner, Andy, and Cade continue to inspire future generations of service members and citizens alike.