Five American servicemen were killed in a helicopter crash during a training mission in the eastern Mediterranean this Veteran's Day weekend.

The victims' Blackhawk helicopter was conducting refueling training when an unspecified "emergency" occurred, the Pentagon said.

American troops killed

The victims were identified as Chief Warrant Officer 3 Stephen R. Dwyer, 38 of Clarksville, Tennessee, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Shane M. Barnes, 34, of Sacramento, California, 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.

They belonged to the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne). Their commander, Col. Roger P. Waleski Jr., said they were "among the nation’s finest soldiers."

“Their loss has left an indelible void within this Regiment that will never be filled,” he said.

The crash, which happened near Cyprus, appears to be at least indirectly related to the war in Israel. The helicopter was in the region in case an emergency evacuation of U.S. citizens was needed.

A Pentagon press release said there is no sign that the helicopter was targeted by hostile forces, but an investigation into the crash is ongoing.

War in Israel

The Pentagon has already sent two carrier strike groups to the Eastern Mediterranean in response to the conflict in Israel, and dozens of U.S. soldiers in Iraq and Syria have been injured by fresh rocket attacks from Iranian proxies.

There are currently no plans to put boots on the ground in Israel, but President Biden placed 2,000 troops on "prepare to deploy" orders.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said his "prayers are with the patriots we have lost today and their families, loved ones, and teammates" following the weekend's crash.

President Biden also sent his condolences to the victims of the crash and their loved ones.

"We once more affirm the sacred obligation we bear to those who volunteer to serve our nation as well as their families, caregivers, and survivors."

"Jill and I are praying for the families and friends who have lost a precious loved one—a piece of their soul. Our entire nation shares their grief," the president said.

Training mishaps are among the top causes of death for U.S. troops.

The Army previously grounded all aircraft earlier this year after a pair of deadly helicopter crashes in Kentucky and Alaska.