Updated: Nov. 21, 12:45 p.m.
KABUL, Afghanistan — U.S. authorities have identified two service members, including one from Hawaii Island, who were killed when their helicopter crashed in Afghanistan.
The Defense Department said Thursday that Chief Warrant Officer 2s David C. Knadle and Kirk T. Fuchigami Jr. died when their helicopter crashed while providing security for troops on the ground in eastern Logar Province.
Knadle and Fuchigami were assigned to a unit from Fort Hood, Texas. Knadle was 33 years old and was from Tarrant, Texas. Fuchigami was 25 and was from Keaau, Hawaii. Both were assigned to a unit at Fort Hood, Texas.
The Wednesday helicopter crash is under investigation. The Taliban claimed to have shot down the helicopter, but the U.S military dismissed that claim as false.
The crash brought the number of U.S. deaths in Afghanistan this year to 19. There also have been three non-combat deaths this year. More than 2,400 Americans have died in the nearly 18-year war.
President Trump plans to pay his respects to the service members.
Trump is traveling to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware for Thursday’s return of the fallen Army officers’ remains.
Trump has described these ceremonies as some of the toughest things he has to do as commander in chief of the U.S. armed services.
The helicopter crash is under investigation.
