Navy SEAL Losses in Combat and Training

Two Navy SEALs were killed during combat operations in Iraq this week, and a third was killed in a CQB training accident stateside.

Chief Petty Officer Michael E. Koch, 29, of State College, Pennsylvania, and Chief Petty Officer Nathan H. Hardy, 29, of Durham, New Hampshire, died Feb. 4, from wounds suffered from small arms fire during combat operations in Iraq. Both men were assigned to East Coast SEAL Teams.

From WVEC.com:

Their commanding officer released a statement Tuesday afternoon.

“Chief Michael Koch and Chief Nathan Hardy were extraordinary brave SEALs, honored teammates, and great Americans.  They paid the ultimate sacrifice in the fight against the enemies of our great nation,” said their commanding officer. 

“On behalf of the men and women with whom I am privileged to serve, I extend my sincere condolences and sympathy to their families and friends.  In our time of grief, I ask those who knew them to celebrate their lives and honor their memory.”

SWOCPO Hardy

His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star, two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, three Good Conduct Medals, two National Defense Medals, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, three Sea Service deployment awards, NATO Medal, Expert Rifle Medal, and the Sharpshooter Pistol Medal.

Chief Hardy grew up in Durham and graduated from high school in 1997. He then joined the Navy.

He leaves behind his wife, Mindy, and their seven-month-old son, Parker.

SWOCPO Koch

His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star, Joint Service Commendation Medal, three Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, three Good Conduct Medals, two National Defense Service Medals, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, five Sea Service deployment awards, NATO Medal, and the Expert Rifle Medal, Expert Pistol Medal.

Chief Koch served his entire Navy career with East Coast-based SEAL Teams. 

Koch is survived by his fiancé, mother, father, brother and sister, the Navy said.

Special Warfare Operator 2nd Class (SEAL) Shapoor Alexander Ghane Jr. was killed Friday during a CQB live fire training excercise at the Mid-South Institute of Self-Defense Shooting near Lake Cormorant, Mississippi.

From The Navy Times:

“Alex Ghane will always be remembered as a true friend and a dedicated SEAL,” Ghane’s naval special warfare task unit operational commander, who was not identified by name, said in a statement. “He was particularly proud of earning his Trident and would do anything asked of him with a smile. Alex died doing what he loved. He died a SEAL, with his teammates around him. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family.”

Ghane enlisted June 30, 2004, and graduated with Class 256 from Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL. He earned several military awards and decorations, including the Navy Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Expert Rifleman Marksmanship Medal and Expert Pistol Marksmanship Medal, the Navy said.

One of his superiors remembers him as “a dedicated young man who embodied the word ‘teammate,’ ” the troop senior enlisted adviser said in a statement. Ghane “was equally quick with a joke or an offer to help. He overcame more than most to become a SEAL, and his drive and infectious energy served as an example to everyone who had the privilege of working with him. He will be sorely missed.”

Ghane is survived by his mother, Farideh Ghane, sister Tala Ghane and fiancée Tina Borys.

“Our family is devastated at the sudden loss,” his family said in a statement released by the Navy. “He was a wonderful son, great brother, and true patriot. Alexander enjoyed life and loved being a Navy SEAL. He had a kind and generous soul which will be missed dearly. We are proud of him, proud of all his accomplishments and the man that he had become. Though his life has been cut short, we will forever cherish the time we had with him.”

Having trained with Navy SEALs in the past, I can attest to their courage, dedication and professionalism in every regard. We wouldn't have a country if not for men - and women - like these.

Godspeed, gentlemen.

Updated: A post at Flopping Aces gives you a bit of an idea of how much these men were loved and admired.

Both Koch and Hardy will soon rest permanently at Arlington National Cemetary.