CW3 Stephen Dwyer

CW3 Steve Dwyer, 38, died on November 10, 2023 when his MH-60 Black Hawk helicopter went down over the Mediterranean Sea during refueling training. He was assigned to the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment in Fort Campbell, K.Y. Also killed was Chief Warrant Officer 2 Shane M. Barnes, Staff Sgt. Tanner W. Grone, Sgt. Andrew P. Southard, and Sgt. Cade M. Wolfe.

CW3 Stephen R. Dwyer received his commission in 2009 from the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York and served as a field artillery commissioned officer for six years before reverting to warrant officer and graduating from flight school in 2018. After several aviation assignments, Dwyer joined the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) as an MH-60M pilot in Charlie Company, 1st Battalion. He completed the Regiment’s extensive assessment and training program, and became a basic mission- qualified pilot, mission planner, and instructor pilot in Charlie Company.

CW3 Dwyer deployed with the 1st Cavalry Division to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, additionally, he deployed with the 101st Airborne Division to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom as well as Turkey. With the 160th SOAR, Steve deployed on a no-notice deployment and also conducted exercises worldwide in support of national security objectives.

Dwyer graduated from the Basic Officer Leader Course, Field Artillery Officer Basic Course; Ranger School; Field Artillery Captain’s Career Course; Warrant Officer Orientation; UH-72A Aviator Qualification Course; Aviation Warrant Officer Basic Course; Aviation Tactical Operations Officer Course; Officer Combat Skills (Green Platoon); Combatives Level 1; MH- 60M Pilot Basic Mission Course; UH-60M Advanced Course; Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape School; and the MH-60 Flight Instructor Pilot Course.

“Steve was an incredible man who made an unforgettable impact as a father, husband, son, family member, teammate, and friend – his love knew no bounds. Steve’s devoted parents and siblings raised him in a loving household and instilled in him the highest sense of noble values. His nurturing upbringing prepared him for excellence at West Point, a place that not only shaped his career but also sharpened his already strong character. Steve’s spirit soared on the rugby pitch and matched the intensity and camaraderie of the game itself. The bonds he forged at West Point would last a lifetime, and his time there prepared him for a storied career in the Army. Steve excelled as an elite helicopter pilot, and he took to the skies with a courage that mirrored the vastness of his fortitude, navigating every operation with precision and grace.

Beyond the uniform, Steve was a dedicated family man who made everyone he crossed paths with feel like his best friend. His presence brought warmth and laughter into the lives of everyone around him. As a father, he loved and cared for his sons above all else, they were his world, and he was theirs. As a husband, he shared a love story that was the envy of many—a testament to the enduring power of a partnership built on trust, respect, and love. Steve was a pillar of support for his family, friends, and teammates and he never missed an opportunity to show his unwavering loyalty and genuine concern for others.”

Dwyer’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with Combat device, four Army Commendation Medals, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, two Overseas Service Ribbons, NATO Medal, Ranger Tab, Combat Action Badge, Basic Army Aviator Badge, Parachute Badge and Air Assault Badge. He was posthumously awarded the Meritorious Service Medal and inducted into the honorable Order of Saint Michael for significant contributions to the Army Aviation Community.

He is survived by his wife and three young children.