Enterprise, AL is in mourning following the tragic death of Chief Warrant Officer Stephen R. Dwyer, an Enterprise High School alum.
Dwyer, 38, was among five special operations soldiers killed in a helicopter crash during a training exercise in the eastern Mediterranean Sea on Friday.
These soldiers, all part of the special operations aviation unit, were conducting routine aerial refueling training when their MH-60 Black Hawk helicopter experienced an emergency, leading to the fatal crash, the Department of Defense confirmed.
Heartfelt praise for Dwyer has poured in since the confirmation of his loss.
“We are heartbroken to learn that Steve was killed while in service to our country,” said Mayor William E. Cooper, who was an assistant principal at Enterprise High when Dwyer was a student, WTVY reports.
U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) and U.S. Rep. Barry Moore (R-Enterprise) also shared their prayers for those who will feel Dwyer’s loss at home.
This is a sad day for the Enterprise High School community and the Wiregrass. I know that Alabamians in every corner of our state will join us in lifting up the loved ones of Chief Warrant Officer Dwyer in prayer as we mourn the loss of this American hero.https://t.co/IYcjWOwCtm
— Senator Katie Boyd Britt (@SenKatieBritt) November 13, 2023
Heather and I are heartbroken to hear about the death of Enterprise High School alum Chief Warrant Officer Stephen R. Dwyer and four of his fellow service members from Fort Campbell in a helicopter crash while serving our nation. We are praying for their loved ones.
— Rep. Barry Moore (@RepBarryMoore) November 13, 2023
The crash is currently under investigation by the U.S. Army’s Combat Readiness Center, with preliminary reports indicating no enemy or hostile actions were involved.
“May their family and friends find comfort in the fact that these men were serving and defending their country, providing a fine example for all of us of true patriotism. May God Bless their souls,” Mayor Cooper said.
Grayson Everett is the state and political editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270
