On Wednesday night, March 29, 2023, a routine training mission was a tragedy for the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) based at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.
Two of their HH-60 Blackhawk helicopters collided in mid-air over Trigg County, near the Tennessee border, killing all nine servicemembers on board reports CNN.
The HH-60 Blackhawk is a versatile and reliable helicopter that can perform various missions, such as air assault, general support, aeromedical evacuation, and special operations.
The 101st Airborne Division is the only air assault division in the U.S. Army and has a distinguished history of combat operations in World War II, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation by the U.S. Army and other authorities. The victims’ names have not been released yet, pending notification of their families. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear expressed his condolences and said he would travel to Fort Campbell to support the troops and their families.
This is one of the deadliest helicopter accidents for the U.S. military in recent years. In February, two Tennessee National Guard pilots were killed when their Black Hawk helicopter crashed along an Alabama highway during a training exercise. In January 2020, six U.S. service members died when their MH-60 Pave Hawk helicopter crashed in Afghanistan.
We mourn the loss of these brave soldiers who gave their lives in service of our country. We salute their courage and dedication to their mission. We extend our deepest sympathy and gratitude to their families and friends. They will not be forgotten.