“Mike was an exceptional teammate. He was a dedicated NSW Sailor who applied his talents and skills towards some of our nation’s hardest challenges, while selflessly mentoring his teamm…
Chief Special Warfare Operator Michael Ernst was taken to Banner University Medical Center in Phoenix Sunday, where he was pronounced dead following the tragic training mishap at an airfield in Marana, according to a statement from the Naval Special Warfare Command The cause of the accident is still under investigation, and the Navy said it would be “inappropriate” to further comment on the tragedy until a report is completed.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Ernst family,” Rear Adm. Keith Davids, the leader of Naval Special Warfare Command, Ernst was attached to a Naval Special Warfare East Coast-based unit during the time of the accident. Naval Special Warfare community operators regularly train in free-falling techniques and usually perform these maneuvers at high altitudes, with a low opening called “HALO.”
A Naval Special Warfare operator parachutes out of a C-130J Super Hercules aircraft during a training evolution.During his military tenure, Enrst was awarded a Silver Star — the third highest award for valor a military member can receive for gallantry during combat, a Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and three Combat Action Ribbons — having been in combat situations in three different theaters of war.
“Mike was an exceptional teammate. He was a dedicated NSW Sailor who applied his talents and skills towards some of our nation’s hardest challenges, while selflessly mentoring his teammates,” Adm. Keith Davids said.
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