Hunter AAF Soldier Killed in Training Exercise Identified

HUNTER ARMY AIRFIELD, Ga.—Army officials have released the name of a soldier killed during a training exercise off the coast of Virginia.

U.S. Army Special Operations Command said Staff Sgt. James R. Stright, 29, was killed when his MH-60 Blackhawk helicopter crashed on board the USNS Arctic Thursday.

The Army said Stright, a Libby, Montana, native, was assigned to Charlie Company, 3rd Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) at Hunter Army Airfield.  Officials said he had served in the regiment for more than five years. Officials said Stright is survived by his mother, Kathy Stright, and his father, Robert N. Stright.

Service members were rappelling down a rope from the helicopter to the USNS Arctic when the crash occurred. The cause of the accident is under investigation.

Three of the eight soldiers injured in the crash were also assigned to Hunter. Officials said the injuries were not life-threatening.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.