ST. MARY’S COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) — The United States Army said Friday that a man from Great Mills was one of the three soldiers in the Blackhawk helicopter involved in a deadly crash with an airplane outside of Regan National Airport (DCA) Wednesday night.
Officials said 39-year-old Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andrew Loyd Eaves was part of the three-person crew on board the U.S. Army UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter that night.
Just before 9 p.m., the helicopter and an American Airlines plane collided, crashing into the icy Potomac River. 67 people, including Eaves, are presumed dead.
The helicopter was from the 12th Aviation Battalion at the Davison Army Airfield in Fort Belvoir, Va., officials said.
“Each of our fallen Soldiers were exceptional leaders and teammates. Their legacy and
honorable service to our Nation will forever remain,” said Lt. Col. Erika A. Holownia,
commander of the 12th Aviation Battalion. “Their experience and dedication made our unit
better, every day. As we mourn this tragic loss, our top priority is supporting their families,
friends, and fellow Soldiers. Our thoughts and prayers are also with the families and friends of
American Eagle Flight 5342.”
Eaves served in the U.S. Navy from August 2007 to September 2017 before transitioning to a UH-60 pilot for the Army, where he served from September 2017.
He received the following awards during his years of service:
- Army Commendation Medal x3
- Navy Commendation Medal
- Army Achievement Medal
- Navy Achievement Medal x3
- Navy “E” Ribbon x2
- Navy Good Conduct Medal x3
- National Defense Service Medal
- Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
- Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
- Armed Forces Service Medal
- Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal
- Army Service Ribbon
- Navy & Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon
- Army Aviator Badge
The Army also identified one of Eaves’s crewmembers as 28-year-old Staff Sgt. Ryan Austin O’Hara, who was from Georgia. As of Thursday, he is believed to be dead.
At the request of the family, the Army said they would not be releasing the name of the third soldier in the helicopter at this time.
