An Army warrant officer who died in a helicopter crash while he was serving in Afghanistan was identified, the Defense Department said in a statement Sunday, Oct. 29.
Chief Warrant Officer Jacob M. Sims, 36, of Juneau, Alaska died from wounds he sustained in the crash on Friday, Oct. 27, in Logar Province, Afghanistan. The incident is still under investigation.
In the helicopter incident, six other crew members were injured and are currently receiving medical treatment, according to a statement on Saturday by Operation Resolute Support in Afghanistan. The crash was not a result of enemy action and further details were not revealed as of writing.
“Jacob lived by a creed that few understand and even fewer embody,” said Col. Philip Ryan, commander of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment or SOAR in a statement. “He will not be forgotten and his legacy will endure through his family, friends, and fellow Nightstalkers.”
The veteran was assigned to 4th Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, according to the Defense Department statement.
Sims himself was also trained as a Blackhawk helicopter pilot, according to ABC News.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of our comrade,” said Gen. John Nicholson, commander of Operation Resolute Support, in Saturday’s statement. “Our heartfelt sympathies go out to the families and friends of our fallen comrade and those injured in this unfortunate event.”
Alaska Gov. Bill Walker ordered flags flown at half-staff across the state Sunday, according to NBC News. Sim lived with his wife and children.
