SEAL commander dies Suddenly
Cmdr. Robert Ramirez III was 47 years old and had taken charge of the elite SEAL team a month prior, Naval Special Warfare Command officials told the Navy Times. Though his death is currently under investigation, foul play is not suspected.
Bobby was an outstanding leader, devoted husband and father, and a good friend to us all,” Capt. David Abernathy, commanding officer of Naval Special Warfare Group 1, which has jurisdiction for all San Diego-based SEAL teams, said in a statement to the outlet.
“This is a devastating loss to our community and all who knew him. We will remain in support of Bobby’s family, friends and teammates during this extremely difficult time,” he said.
Ramirez was a highly decorated officer. During his nearly 27 years of service, he was awarded three Combat Action ribbons and medals for actions in Iraq and Afghanistan and five Bronze Star medals, the fourth highest ranking award in the military, including two with the Combat “V” device denoting valor and acts of heroism.
His death makes him the second SEAL commander to die over the span of roughly one year; Cmdr. Brian Burgeois, leader of SEAL Team 8, died in a helicopter rope training accident on Dec. 4, 2021.
On Thursday, the Department of Defense announced another non-combat-related death in a press release: Staff Sgt. Samuel D. Lecce, 32, died in Iraq while supporting Operation Inherent Resolve.
SEAL Team 1 is responsible for the western Pacific geographic region, an area including sensitive areas under dispute with China. It specializes in jungle, urban, and desert combat.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/navy-commander-found-dead-at-his-california-home-just-a-month-after-taking-charge-of-elite-seal-team/ar-AA15zSUx