Elite Soldiers PERISH: Training Nightmare Unfolds

September 25, 2025

American,Black,Hawk,Helicopter,Sikorsky,Uh,-,60m,Attack,Takes

Four of America’s elite “Night Stalker” soldiers perished in a peacetime helicopter crash, raising urgent questions about military readiness, risk, and the true cost of service in a world where our best warriors face danger even at home.

Story Snapshot

Four members of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment died in a Black Hawk helicopter crash during a routine training mission near Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington.
The fallen soldiers have been identified; the Army is investigating the cause of the crash, which occurred outside a combat zone.
The tragedy highlights persistent risks within U.S. military aviation and raises concerns about training safety and operational readiness.
Families, fellow soldiers, and communities are grappling with loss while awaiting answers and demanding accountability.

Elite Soldiers Lost During Routine U.S. Training Operation

On September 17, 2025, an MH-60 Black Hawk helicopter belonging to the renowned 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment crashed near Summit Lake, just west of Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state. All four soldiers aboard—Chief Warrant Officer 3 Andrew Cully, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Andrew Kraus, Sgt. Donavon Scott, and Sgt. Jadalyn Good—were killed. These soldiers, known as “Night Stalkers,” were conducting a routine nighttime training exercise, not a combat operation. Their loss underscores the perilous nature of military aviation, even during non-combat missions, and has sent shockwaves through the special operations community and beyond.

The 160th SOAR is a highly specialized Army unit, famed for undertaking the most dangerous and complex aviation missions in support of U.S. special operations worldwide. With a history of both combat heroism and tragic loss, the unit’s rigorous training is essential for maintaining readiness. However, the crash has reignited debate over whether enough is being done to mitigate risks during training. The incident, which also triggered a wildfire and required a large-scale recovery operation, demonstrates how quickly routine military exercises can become deadly, affecting not just military families but also local communities and emergency responders.

The U.S. Army's Special Operations Command has publicly announced and identified the four Soldiers with the "Night Stalkers" of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR(A) that were killed in last week's crash of an MH-60M "Black Hawk" Helicopter near Joint Base… pic.twitter.com/ysNpkSGIAi

— Military Support (@MilitaryCooI) September 22, 2025

Ongoing Investigation and Institutional Response

Army officials promptly launched an investigation into the cause of the crash, but as of September 23, 2025, no preliminary findings have been released. The Army has publicly honored the fallen, with Lt. Gen. Jonathan Braga, U.S. Army Special Operations Command, stating that these soldiers “embodied the highest values of the Army and the Army Special Operations, and their sacrifice will never be forgotten.” Local command at Joint Base Lewis-McChord has provided support services to families and affected unit members. The transparency of the investigation and the Army’s willingness to address systemic safety issues will be closely watched by both Congress and the public, especially given past training accidents involving elite units.

Families of the deceased, as well as their communities in Washington, Missouri, and Florida, are demanding clear answers and accountability. The Army’s communication with the public, via official briefings and statements, has so far emphasized respect and honor for the deceased but offered few details about what went wrong. If the investigation uncovers preventable factors or systemic failures, there may be calls for changes to training protocols and heightened Congressional scrutiny. The tragedy has also rekindled concerns about the emotional and psychological toll on surviving members of the 160th SOAR and their families, who endure constant risk even outside combat deployments.

Wider Implications for Military Readiness and National Security

This loss comes at a time when America’s military is expected to be at peak readiness, especially in an era of renewed emphasis on national sovereignty and constitutional values. The incident not only disrupts operational schedules for the 160th SOAR but also raises broader questions about the adequacy of training safety protocols across the armed forces. As the investigation continues, conservative Americans—especially those who deeply value a strong and accountable military—will be watching for any sign of bureaucratic stonewalling or politically motivated narratives that distract from the real issues. True respect for these fallen warriors demands not only solemn tributes but also a relentless commitment to learning from tragedy and ensuring that America’s defenders are supported with the best training, equipment, and leadership possible. The nation’s security and its values remain linked to the integrity and preparedness of its military, both in battle and at home.