Hawaii Remembers Fallen SEALs
Story Number: NNS050712-02
Release Date: 7/12/2005 10:30:00 AM
By Journalist 3rd Class Ryan McGinley, Commander, Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs
PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (NNS) -- A memorial service was held July 11 at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Honolulu, Hawaii, for five Sailors assigned to SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team (SDVT) 1, Pearl Harbor, who were killed while conducting combat and counter-terrorism operations in Afghanistan.
Senior Chief Information Systems Technician (SEAL) Daniel R. Healy of Exeter N.H., Machinist’s Mate 2nd Class (SEAL) Eric S. Patton of Boulder City, Nev., and Quartermaster 2nd Class (SEAL) James E. Suh of Deerfield Beach, Fla., were killed June 28 when their MH-47 helicopter crashed in mountainous terrain west of Asadabad, Afghanistan. They were participating in Operation Red Wing, an effort to defeat terrorists operating in Kunar Province.
Lt. Michael P. Murphy of Patchogue, N.Y., and Sonar Technician (Surface) 2nd Class (SEAL) Matthew G. Axelson of Cupertino, Calif., also with SDVT 1, were killed while conducting counter-terrorism operations in Kunar Province.
“Our SEALs who died in Afghanistan bravely and unselfishly answered the nation’s call to defend freedom and protect America and its allies from terrorism,” said Rear Adm. Joseph Maguire, commander, Naval Special Warfare Command. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to their families at this very difficult time. On behalf of the entire Naval Special Warfare and Special Operations communities, we want them to know that their loved ones did not die in vain. The loss of these brave warriors will only strengthen our resolve for ultimate victory in the global war on terror.”
More than 1,000 people attended the memorial service, which included a presentation of awards and shadow boxes to the families of those Sailors who were killed. Maguire said the loss of these shipmates was the worst for the SEAL community in more than 60 years.
“You would have to go all the way back to World War II before this small community of 2,000 SEALs suffered such a great loss in one day; eleven SEALs in one day,” he said. “But also for SDVT 1, the five men that we lost in one day is also the greatest loss this community has suffered since World War II.”
Five shipmates of the fallen SEALs read eulogies during the memorial expressing their bereavement, and also celebrating their shipmates’ life and work in the Navy.
“Senior Chief Dan Healy was a great SEAL,” said Chief Warrant Officer Dave Bauer of his shipmate. “He was fiercely determined to face the enemy on the field of battle. I know of no other man I would want with me more when facing the enemy. All SEALs will forever be held to a higher standard because of what Dan Healy did.”
Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle attended the memorial service and expressed her sympathy for the families and friends on behalf of the entire state of Hawaii.
“Although you see just one person standing here today, I’m here because I represent more than a million people in our state who wanted me to bring personal condolences to the families of these great Americans,” she said. “People all across the state grieve with you. We honor these men for the short time they were here in our state and consider them part of our family here in Hawaii.”
The ceremony also featured a missing man flyover by four UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters assigned to the 225th Aviation Regiment, 25th Infantry Division-Light at Wheeler Air Force Base, a gun salute and the playing of taps for the fallen Sailors.
Maguire emphasized the importance of the mission, and said although the loss of the SEALs was tragic, SEALs, Sailors and all branches of the military would continue to fight to protect America.
“The SEALs were there because that’s where the fight was,” he said. “And we will continue to go wherever the fight is.”
