Black Hawk Crash Near Joint Base Lewis-McChord Kills Four Special Operations Soldiers

Four soldiers from the elite 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, known as the Night Stalkers, are presumed dead after their MH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crashed during a routine nighttime training flight near Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state. The crash occurred around 9 PM on Wednesday in a remote, densely forested area, complicating recovery efforts which were further hindered by a brush fire at the site. The unit specializes in challenging nighttime operations and has a history of high-profile missions, including the 2011 raid that killed Osama bin Laden. Army officials have expressed deep condolences and highlighted the soldiers' embodiment of the Army's highest values, with names withheld pending family notification. The cause of the crash remains under investigation as authorities continue to secure the scene. Local law enforcement and military resources, including drones, have assisted in the recovery operation.