The Pentagon has announced the identification of 34-year-old Shane Barnes, a resident of Sacramento, as one of the five Army aviation special operations forces killed in a tragic helicopter crash in the Eastern Mediterranean. The incident occurred on Friday when the MH-60 Blackhawk helicopter, in which Barnes was a passenger, experienced an in-flight emergency and crashed into the sea during a routine refueling mission as part of military training.

According to the Department of Defense, Barnes held the rank of chief warrant officer 2. Warrant officers are highly skilled technical experts in their respective fields, appointed by the Secretary of the Army. Barnes, alongside his fellow service members, was assigned to the 1st Battalion 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment.

Barnes had strong ties to the Sacramento area, having graduated from Jesuit High School in Carmichael. A statement from the school confirmed his involvement in various activities, including football, rugby, shotput, discus, and student government. In a 2015 article for the school's student publication, Plank, Barnes expressed his deep sense of duty and inspiration to become an aviator after watching the movie "Top Gun."

After graduating from high school in 2007, Barnes turned down an invitation to attend the prestigious United States Military Academy at West Point. Instead, he opted to pursue his Jesuit education at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington. As a recipient of a full-ride scholarship through the Reserve Officers' Training Corps, he graduated in 2011 with a bachelor's degree in English literature.

Barnes then attended flight school at Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he underwent training to become a UH-60L Blackhawk pilot. It was during his time at Fort Rucker that he formed a lasting connection, meeting his wife, Capt. Samantha Jo Barnes, who was also serving as a Blackhawk pilot.

Throughout his military career, Barnes made significant contributions as an Instructor Pilot and Fully Mission Qualified pilot, greatly impacting training aviators within the formation, according to the Army's Special Operations Command. He served as a platoon leader and pilot in command in South Korea and deployed multiple times to Iraq in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, as well as to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Barnes' heroic dedication and outstanding service were recognized with numerous awards and decorations, including the Distinguished Flying Cross with Valor device, Air Medal with Combat device, Army Commendation Medal, and Army Achievement Medal, among others.

Beyond his military achievements, Barnes was a loving husband and devoted father to his 5-year-old and 1-year-old daughters. His family described him as an exceptional father who balanced the seriousness of his vocation with moments of joy, such as pillow fights and tea parties.

Tragically, Barnes is survived by his parents, Kelly and Mike Barnes, who had connections with Jesuit High School, with his mother having worked in campus ministry for 15 years. Two years ago, they relocated to Kentucky to be closer to their son and his family.

The other service members killed in the helicopter crash were identified as Chief Warrant Officer 3 Stephen R. Dwyer, 38, of Clarksville, Tennessee; Staff Sgt. Tanner W. Grone, 26, of Gorham, New Hampshire; Sgt. Andrew P. Southard, 27, of Apache Junction, Arizona; and Sgt. Cade M. Wolfe, 24, of Mankato, Minnesota.

The U.S. Army's Combat Readiness Center is currently investigating the helicopter crash. The incident took place amid increased U.S. military presence in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East following the Israel-Hamas war.

This is a developing story, and further updates will be provided.