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Michael Ernst Wiki – Bio
Michael Ernst, a US Navy SEAL has died after an accident during a freefall parachute training exercise in Arizona, according to reports.
Chief special warfare operator Michael Ernst was taken to Banner University Medical Center in Phoenix on Sunday, where he was pronounced dead following the tragic training accident at an airfield in Marana, according to a statement from Naval Special Warfare Command to Fox. News. The cause of the accident is still under investigation, and the Navy said it would be “inappropriate” to comment further on the tragedy until a report is complete. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Ernst family,” said Rear Admiral Keith Davids, leader of Naval Special Warfare Command.
Age
Michael Ernst’s age is not mentioned.
Navy SEAL dies in freefall parachute accident
Ernst was attached to an East Coast-based unit of Naval Special Warfare at the time of the accident. Operators in the Naval Special Warfare community regularly train in free fall techniques and generally perform these maneuvers at high altitudes, with a low aperture called a “HALO”.
Ernst joined the Navy in August 2009 and would join the SEAL community three years later. During his military tenure, Enrst received a Silver Star, the third-highest award for valor a military member can receive for bravery during combat, a Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and three Combat Action Ribbons, after 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 to some of our nation’s toughest challenges, while selflessly mentoring his teammates,” said Admiral Keith Davids.
Ernst leaves behind his wife and two of his children, ages 5 and 2. Ernst’s death marks the fourth Navy training-related death in the past 14 months, according to Military.com. Electronics Technician 1st Class Ryan DeKorte died in May 2022 from injuries sustained during a helicopter landing incident near Norfolk, Virginia.
In February 2022, Seaman Kyle Mullen died after completing Navy Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL, or BUD/S, training, sparking a series of investigations into recruits attempting SEAL training who did not receive necessary medical attention and /or were not discouraged from seeking care. if required. The commanding officer of SEAL Team 8, Cmdr. Brian Bourgeois died during a speed rope training evolution in Virginia Beach in December 2021.
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