Chief Special Warfare Operator Michael T. Ernst was killed during military free-fall parachute training on Febr. 19.
Naval Special Warfare command described Ernst as being assigned to one of their East Coast-based units, most likely SEAL Team Six (also known as DEVGRU), which is the Navy's elite counter-terrorism unit.
The accident occurred in Marana, Arizona which is just north of Tucson and some 200 miles east of Yuma where US military Special Operations Forces are trained to conduct Military Free Fall techniques. At Yuma Proving Grounds, special operators are trained in basic and advanced infiltration techniques, tandem jumping, bundle jumping, and jump master duties.
The Navy declined to comment on the accident pending an investigation.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Ernst family,” said Rear Adm. Keith Davids, commander, Naval Special Warfare Command in a press release provided to Connecting Vets.
“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," Rear Adm. Davids' statement read. "Mike and his family will always be part of the NSW family, and he will never be forgotten.”
Maranas is home to Pinal Airpark, the largest aircraft boneyard in the world. One of SEAL Team Six's primary missions is counter-terrorism, including tubular assaults in the event that a commercial airliner is hijacked by terrorists.
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