The big picture:
The Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk went down around 9 p.m. PDT in rugged terrain about 15 miles southeast of Tacoma.
All four personnel aboard were members of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, 4th Battalion, known as the “Night Stalkers” for their expertise in nighttime missions.
No survivors were found, according to Jacqui Hill, spokesperson for U.S. Army Special Operations Command.
What they’re saying:
“They were elite warriors who embodied our highest values of the Army and the Army Special Operations, and their sacrifice will never be forgotten,” said Lt. Gen. Jonathan Braga in a statement.
Hill noted that recovery efforts were hindered by the remote location, fire from the crash, and dense vegetation.
Zoom out:
The cause of the crash remains under investigation. The incident underscores the risks faced by special operations forces even during training, and has prompted tributes across the military community.
Go deeper:
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