FRANKFORT — ?Nine U.S. service members died when two Black Hawk helicopters based at Fort Campbell crashed Wednesday night, the Army announced Thursday morning.

One helicopter had five soldiers aboard, the other four. The crews were flying with night vision as part of a training exercise. There were no survivors.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear spoke at the Thursday morning news conference at the U.S. Army installation in Western Kentucky. “We are blessed to live in the freest country in the history of planet Earth. We must remember that freedom relies on those who are willing to serve, some of whom pay the ultimate price,” Beshear said.

WKDZ reported Wednesday night Fort Campbell officials confirmed two helicopters had collided during a training mission and crashed in Trigg County. According to WKDZ, the public affairs office at Fort Campbell did not make available the status of those involved in the crash.?

The Kentucky Senate held a moment of silence Thursday morning in light of the crash.?

“There’s been a substantial loss of life of our military,” said Senate President Robert Stivers. “Those providers of peace sometimes lose their life training to keep the peace in this world.”

Fort Campbell is home to the 101st Airborne Division.

This story will be updated.