SEAL dies in training accident

You never really know how to react to stories like this, but this morning a US Navy SEAL died during a routine training accident:

A Navy SEAL died Wednesday morning during parachute training near Casa Grande.

The accident occurred at around 7 a.m. while he was undergoing free-fall parachute training, a relatively routine training program, Naval Public Affairs Officer Lt. David Luckett said.

His body was found at the Mission Royale Golf Course and the cause of the accident is still being investigated, Luckett said.

He was a Special Warfare Operator assigned to a SEAL Team based in Virginia Beach, the Navy said in a press release.

The name of the SEAL is being held pending notification of kin.

SEAL training programs encompass a wide variety of warfare preparation and take place in various locations that will simulate real war situations, Luckett said.

Why do I say it's difficult to talk about such things? Because this man died doing what he was trained to do to protect this nation. SEAL training is no laughing matter, and it's the most intensive training anyone in the military can undergo. It's a dangerous business to be at the top of your game when you're a SEAL. They're trained in counter-terror tactics, and along with the Army's Delta Force and Marine Force Recon, they are among the most highly trained, highly motivated individuals in the United States arsenal.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. He will be missed, and it's assured that his brothers in arms are mourning his death.

Publius II