SKeel
03-08-2008, 09:20 AM
The DOD released this information and the identity about the recent accident.
Navy Identifies SEAL That Died During Training Exercise
SAN DIEGO, CA. - Chief Special Warfare Operator Lance M. Vaccaro,
(SEAL), 35, of Reading, Pa., died from injuries suffered while
conducting parachute training operations near Marana, Ariz., March 6,
2008.
"Chief Lance Vaccaro was an outstanding SEAL, a combat tested leader,
and a great American," said Rear Admiral Joseph Kernan, Commander, Naval
Special Warfare Command. "His tragic death reminds us of the dangers
that he and his teammates embrace daily, in training or in combat, so
that all Americans can continue to enjoy the benefits of freedom. On
behalf of all Naval Special Warfare, I offer my deepest condolences to
his family and friends. His sacrifice will not be forgotten."
The incident took place at approximately 8 a.m. Thursday morning (MST).
Vaccaro was transported via life flight to the University Medical
Center, Tucson, AZ where he was pronounced dead. A Navy investigation
is in progress to determine the details of the incident.
"We deeply mourn the loss of our teammate," said Cmdr. Greg Geisen,
Naval Special Warfare spokesman. "Following this unfortunate incident,
Navy parachute training at the facility near Marana, Arizona has been
suspended and a safety stand-down has been initiated. This training is
designed to prepare SEALs for real-world missions on the battlefield.
Training safety is always a top concern but the type of advanced
training SEALs engage in is extremely challenging and has inherent
risks. "
Another SEAL death occurred last month on 13 February, 2008 during a
parachute training exercise near Marana, AZ. "The circumstances of these
two incidents appear on the surface to be unrelated but that is why we
conduct meticulous investigations," Geisen said. "It would be premature
to make any conclusions before the investigators have had a chance to do
their jobs."
Vaccaro enlisted in the U.S. Navy on May 29, 1991. He graduated from
boot camp at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill., in August and
began his first tour of duty aboard USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73) in
Norfolk, Va. In April, 1994, he transferred to USS KITTY HAWK (CV 63)
in Yokosuka, Japan, before entering Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL
(BUD/S) training in Coronado, Calif., in July 1996.
Following graduation from BUD/S Class 210, Vaccaro attended advanced
training courses and reported to an East Coast-based SEAL Team in June
1997. He continued to serve in various East Coast-based SEAL Teams the
remainder of his career.
His military awards and decorations include Defense Meritorious Service
Medal, three Joint Service Commendation Medals including one with Valor,
Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Joint
Service Achievement Medal, four Navy and Marine Corps Achievement
Medals, two Combat Action Ribbons, Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit
Commendation, Navy "E" Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, Armed Forces
Expeditionary Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal,
Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Global War
on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal Armed Forces Service Medal, Sea Service
Deployment Ribbons, NATO Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Rifle
Expert Medal, Pistol Expert Medal.
All media queries regarding this incident should be directed to Naval
Special Warfare Command Public Affairs Office at (619)-522-2824. For
more information on Naval Special Warfare visit www.seal.navy.mil.
RIP Warrior!
Navy Identifies SEAL That Died During Training Exercise
SAN DIEGO, CA. - Chief Special Warfare Operator Lance M. Vaccaro,
(SEAL), 35, of Reading, Pa., died from injuries suffered while
conducting parachute training operations near Marana, Ariz., March 6,
2008.
"Chief Lance Vaccaro was an outstanding SEAL, a combat tested leader,
and a great American," said Rear Admiral Joseph Kernan, Commander, Naval
Special Warfare Command. "His tragic death reminds us of the dangers
that he and his teammates embrace daily, in training or in combat, so
that all Americans can continue to enjoy the benefits of freedom. On
behalf of all Naval Special Warfare, I offer my deepest condolences to
his family and friends. His sacrifice will not be forgotten."
The incident took place at approximately 8 a.m. Thursday morning (MST).
Vaccaro was transported via life flight to the University Medical
Center, Tucson, AZ where he was pronounced dead. A Navy investigation
is in progress to determine the details of the incident.
"We deeply mourn the loss of our teammate," said Cmdr. Greg Geisen,
Naval Special Warfare spokesman. "Following this unfortunate incident,
Navy parachute training at the facility near Marana, Arizona has been
suspended and a safety stand-down has been initiated. This training is
designed to prepare SEALs for real-world missions on the battlefield.
Training safety is always a top concern but the type of advanced
training SEALs engage in is extremely challenging and has inherent
risks. "
Another SEAL death occurred last month on 13 February, 2008 during a
parachute training exercise near Marana, AZ. "The circumstances of these
two incidents appear on the surface to be unrelated but that is why we
conduct meticulous investigations," Geisen said. "It would be premature
to make any conclusions before the investigators have had a chance to do
their jobs."
Vaccaro enlisted in the U.S. Navy on May 29, 1991. He graduated from
boot camp at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill., in August and
began his first tour of duty aboard USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73) in
Norfolk, Va. In April, 1994, he transferred to USS KITTY HAWK (CV 63)
in Yokosuka, Japan, before entering Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL
(BUD/S) training in Coronado, Calif., in July 1996.
Following graduation from BUD/S Class 210, Vaccaro attended advanced
training courses and reported to an East Coast-based SEAL Team in June
1997. He continued to serve in various East Coast-based SEAL Teams the
remainder of his career.
His military awards and decorations include Defense Meritorious Service
Medal, three Joint Service Commendation Medals including one with Valor,
Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Joint
Service Achievement Medal, four Navy and Marine Corps Achievement
Medals, two Combat Action Ribbons, Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit
Commendation, Navy "E" Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, Armed Forces
Expeditionary Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal,
Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Global War
on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal Armed Forces Service Medal, Sea Service
Deployment Ribbons, NATO Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Rifle
Expert Medal, Pistol Expert Medal.
All media queries regarding this incident should be directed to Naval
Special Warfare Command Public Affairs Office at (619)-522-2824. For
more information on Naval Special Warfare visit www.seal.navy.mil.
RIP Warrior!