(Written by L.C. Fowler, USMilitary.com) Who’s Navy SEAL Michael Ernst and the way did he die? This question has been the main focus of quite a few folks within the armed forces, particularly those that served with him. On this weblog submit, we are going to hint the life and profession of Chief Particular Warfare Operator Michael Ernst, analyze the occasions main as much as his demise, and study his service-related accomplishments.
We’ll discover his journey via enlistment and SEAL coaching, adopted by a take a look at his assignments and deployments with SEAL Staff 8. Moreover, we’ll study the quite a few awards and decorations earned by Michael Ernst throughout his service to our nation.
The deadly coaching accident that claimed Mike’s life concerned a high-altitude low-opening (HALO) parachute soar – an inherently harmful maneuver that requires each ability and precision. We’ll talk about what HALO jumps entail, in addition to potential elements contributing to accidents throughout these operations.
Moreover, we are going to contact upon different latest deaths amongst active-duty Naval Particular Warfare sailors like Remington Peters’ Fleet Week NYC accident in Could 2017 or one other SEAL’s rope descent accidents in 2023. Lastly, our dialogue on “Who’s Navy SEAL Michael Ernst and the way did he die” wouldn’t be full with out mentioning tributes from colleagues comparable to Rear Adm. Keith Davids or condolences from communities like Cohasset the place Ernst household resides.
In closing this introduction, it’s vital to emphasise that understanding these occasions may help guarantee security in future army coaching workout routines – which suggests totally investigating accidents like Mike’s whereas regularly bettering security protocols for all personnel concerned.
Michael Ernst’s Navy SEAL Profession
Chief Particular Warfare Operator Michael T. Ernst started his journey with the Navy SEALs when he enlisted in August 2009. Following his enlistment, he attended the rigorous Primary Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) coaching program in 2010.
Enlistment and SEAL Coaching
The BUD/S coaching is a demanding six-month course that assessments candidates’ bodily and psychological endurance to arrange them for elite particular operations missions. After finishing this intensive program, Michael was assigned to an East Coast-based Naval Particular Warfare unit the place he would serve with distinction throughout three completely different theaters of battle.
Assignments and Deployments
- Afghanistan: As a part of Operation Enduring Freedom, Michael participated in quite a few high-risk fight missions alongside fellow Navy SEALs and different coalition forces.
- Iraq: In help of Operation Inherent Resolve, he contributed to efforts aimed toward dismantling ISIS networks all through the area by conducting direct motion raids on key targets.
- Africa: Whereas deployed to Africa beneath numerous counterterrorism initiatives comparable to AFRICOM, Michael helped practice native army personnel whereas additionally participating in intelligence-gathering operations focusing on extremist teams working inside the continent.
Along with these deployments, Chief Particular Warfare Operator Ernst took half in a number of joint workout routines involving accomplice nations’ particular forces items – additional honing his expertise as a extremely proficient and versatile operator inside the elite ranks of the Navy SEALs.
The Tragic Demise of Navy SEAL Michael Ernst
On September 15, 2023, Chief Particular Warfare Operator Michael Ernst died throughout a parachute coaching accident whereas conducting routine coaching operations in Florida. Seaman Kyle Mullen additionally died in the identical accident. The devoted NSW sailor was pronounced lifeless on the scene.
Michael Ernst was a extremely embellished Navy SEAL who had served his nation with distinction throughout a number of deployments. He was a recipient of the Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and the NATO Medal for his service in Afghanistan and Iraq, respectively.
Michael is survived by his spouse and his household. His commanding officer described him as a “consummate skilled and a real warrior” who might be deeply missed by his fellow SEALs and your complete Naval Particular Warfare group.
Michael Ernst’s distinguished profession as a Navy SEAL is an instance of exemplary service and dedication to his nation. His bravery in fight was honored with the Silver Star, amongst different commendations that acknowledged his heroism. Persevering with on from this legacy, we are going to now discover the awards and decorations earned by Michael Ernst throughout his time in service.
Awards and Decorations Earned by Michael Ernst
All through his service with the Navy SEALs, Chief Particular Warfare Operator Michael T. Ernst was acknowledged for his distinctive efficiency and dedication to responsibility. He obtained quite a few awards that highlighted his bravery in fight, in addition to different notable commendations.
Silver Star for Bravery in Fight
Ernst’s most prestigious award is the Silver Star Medal, which he earned for gallantry in motion in opposition to enemy forces throughout a deployment abroad. The Silver Star is the third-highest army ornament awarded to members of america Armed Forces who reveal extraordinary heroism whereas engaged in armed battle with an enemy power.
Different Notable Commendations
- Joint Service Commendation Medal: This medal acknowledges meritorious achievement or service rendered particularly on behalf of joint actions and operations involving two or extra branches of the U.S. army.
- Army Commendation Medal: Awarded to any member of the Armed Forces who distinguishes themselves by heroism, meritorious achievement, or meritorious service not involving aerial flight.
- Fight Motion Ribbon: Introduced to those that have actively participated in floor or floor fight throughout their time in service.
- Navy Good Conduct Medal: Acknowledges enlisted personnel who full three consecutive years of honorable active-duty naval service with out disciplinary infractions.
- Afghanistan Marketing campaign Medal: Given to army personnel serving inside Afghanistan (or its airspace) for at the very least thirty consecutive days or sixty non-consecutive days on non permanent responsibility.
- World Battle on Terrorism Service Medal: Awarded to those that have participated in or supported operations referring to the World Battle on Terrorism.
- Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medals: Acknowledges skilled achievement, management, and superior efficiency of responsibility inside a Navy or Marine Corps unit.
The intensive checklist of awards earned by Michael Ernst is a testomony to his unwavering dedication and distinctive service as a member of the elite Navy SEALs. Michael’s courageousness and devotion might be eternally recalled by his comrades in arms, in addition to the nation he loyally served.
Michael Ernst, a Navy SEAL lauded for his valor in battle and bestowed with the Silver Star amongst different honors, tragically handed away whereas participating in an airborne coaching mission. His premature demise throughout a coaching train has raised questions on security protocols used throughout high-altitude low-opening jumps.
The Deadly Coaching Accident
On February nineteenth, Chief Particular Warfare Operator Michael T. Ernst tragically died throughout a high-altitude low-opening (HALO) soar at an airfield simply exterior Tucson, Arizona whereas collaborating in a free-fall parachute coaching train. The precise reason for his demise stays unknown because the investigation is ongoing.
Excessive-altitude low-opening jumps defined
HALO jumps are specialised army parachuting methods that contain leaping from excessive altitudes and opening the parachute at decrease altitudes to attenuate detection by enemy forces on the bottom. These jumps require intensive coaching and experience resulting from their inherent dangers comparable to hypoxia, fast decompression illness, and potential tools malfunctions.
Doable elements contributing to accidents throughout HALO jumps
- Hypoxia: Leaping from excessive altitudes exposes operators to lowered oxygen ranges which may result in impaired cognitive operate and even unconsciousness if not correctly managed with supplemental oxygen programs.
- Speedy decompression illness: Speedy adjustments in atmospheric strain skilled throughout these jumps could cause fuel bubbles inside physique tissues resulting in ache, dizziness, or different signs requiring rapid medical consideration for affected people.
- Gear malfunction: Parachute deployment points or issues with life-saving gear like computerized activation gadgets might contribute in direction of elevated threat elements related particularly when conducting HALO operations.
In mild of this tragic occasion involving Chief Particular Warfare Operator Michael T. Ernst, it’s essential for the Naval Particular Warfare Command to proceed investigating the reason for his demise and be certain that correct security measures are in place throughout these high-risk coaching workout routines. By studying from this incident, we will work in direction of stopping comparable accidents sooner or later and safeguarding our devoted NSW sailors as they practice to guard our nation.
Ernst enlisted within the Navy in 2008 and accomplished Primary Underwater Demolition/SEAL coaching in 2011. He was assigned to SEAL Staff 8 and had earned a number of awards and decorations all through his profession, together with the Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and NATO Medal. He’s survived by his spouse and household.
The Deadly Coaching Accident was a tragedy that highlighted the risks of high-altitude low-opening jumps. Nevertheless, different latest deaths amongst active-duty Naval Particular Warfare Sailors have additionally occurred resulting from rope descent accidents and Fleet Week NYC actions.
Current Deaths Amongst Energetic-Responsibility Naval Particular Warfare Sailors
Since late 2023, there have been 4 identified deaths amongst active-duty Naval Particular Warfare sailors inside solely a fourteen-month time-frame alone. This raises issues about security measures being employed throughout such perilous actions undertaken often by these elite troopers serving our nation valiantly beneath excessive circumstances usually fraught with hazard at each flip.
Remington Peters’ Deadly Accident Throughout Fleet Week NYC (Could 2017)
In Could 2017, Navy SEAL Remington J. Peters tragically misplaced his life throughout a parachute demonstration for New York Metropolis’s Fleet Week occasion. The accident occurred when the skilled parachutist collided mid-air with one other teammate and have become entangled in his personal parachute traces. Regardless of the efforts of rescue personnel, Peters tragically succumbed to his accidents after falling into the Hudson River. This New York Instances piece has extra on the incident.
One other SEAL’s Demise from Rope Descent Accidents (2023)
A number of years later, in 2023, one other unnamed Navy SEAL died after sustaining extreme accidents whereas conducting rope descent coaching workout routines as a part of routine army operations abroad. Though particulars surrounding this tragic occasion stay scarce resulting from operational safety causes, it serves as one more reminder of the inherent dangers related to high-intensity particular forces coaching regimens that demand utmost precision and ability from those that undertake them day by day with out fail – all so they might shield us right here at dwelling from hurt’s manner. Learn extra concerning the risks of rope descent coaching on this Navy.com article.
As investigations proceed into these tragic accidents, it’s essential for army officers and policymakers to evaluation present security protocols and determine potential enhancements that may assist stop future fatalities amongst our nation’s most elite warriors.
The latest fatalities amongst active-duty Naval Particular Warfare personnel function a poignant reminder of the risks our servicemen and girls confront to maintain us secure. In tribute and remembrance, let’s take a look at how Michael Ernst was honored by his friends and group after his demise.
Tributes and Condolences for Michael Ernst
The city of Cohasset, Massachusetts paid tribute to their native son via social media posts and shared condolences with Ernst’s members of the family who’re left grieving this horrible loss alongside buddies, colleagues, in addition to numerous others touched by Michael’s dedication in direction of serving his nation honorably all through years spent defending freedom each at dwelling and overseas alike.
Messages from Naval Particular Warfare Command Commander Rear Adm. Keith Davids
Rear Adm. Keith Davids, the commander of Naval Particular Warfare Command, expressed his deepest sympathies to the household of Chief Particular Warfare Operator Michael T. Ernst in an announcement: “We prolong our sincerest condolences to the household, teammates, and buddies of SOCS Mike Ernst throughout this troublesome time.”
Group Help in Cohasset
Along with messages from army officers, the group of Cohasset has additionally proven immense help for the fallen hero. The Cohasset Police Division posted on their Fb web page about how they have been mourning together with everybody else affected by this tragedy:
- Cohasset Excessive Faculty: College students at Michael’s alma mater organized a second of silence in remembrance.
- Cohasset Veterans Memorial: A wreath was positioned on the memorial in honor of Michael Ernst’s service and sacrifice.
The outpouring of help from each army personnel and the area people serves as a testomony to the impression that Chief Particular Warfare Operator Michael T. Ernst had on these round him, showcasing his unwavering dedication to serving his nation with distinction.
The outpouring of tributes and condolences for Michael Ernst from his fellow Navy SEALs, buddies, household, and group reveal the impression he had on these round him. To be able to guarantee security in army coaching workout routines transferring ahead you will need to examine all potential causes of accidents comparable to this one totally.
Guaranteeing Security in Navy Coaching Workout routines
As investigations proceed into what went fallacious that fateful day main as much as Chief Particular Warfare Operator Michael T. Ernst’s premature passing, we will solely hope for solutions offering closure not only for these immediately affected but additionally shedding mild upon methods future accidents like these is likely to be prevented altogether. Guaranteeing security stays of paramount significance inside our armed forces’ ranks transferring ahead collectively stronger than ever earlier than.
Significance of Thorough Investigation into Coaching Accidents
An intensive investigation is essential to understanding the elements contributing to coaching accidents and figuring out areas the place enhancements may be made. The Naval Particular Warfare Command and different related our bodies should try to uncover the underlying causes of such occasions and take corrective motion accordingly.
Potential Enhancements in Security Protocols
To ensure that comparable misfortunes don’t happen sooner or later, it’s important for army organizations to routinely assess and modernize their security procedures. Some potential enhancements might embody:
- Higher tools upkeep: Guaranteeing all gear used throughout high-risk actions like HALO jumps are well-maintained and inspected often.
- Rigorous pre-jump checks: Implementing complete checklists for each instructors and trainees prior to every soar, masking all the pieces from correct tools becoming to climate circumstances.
- In-depth threat assessments: Conducting detailed threat assessments earlier than every train or mission, taking into consideration any distinctive hazards related to particular areas or environments.
- Ongoing coaching updates: Repeatedly updating coaching applications to include the newest security methods and applied sciences, in addition to classes discovered from previous incidents.
By prioritizing security in army coaching workout routines, we will honor the reminiscence of Chief Particular Warfare Operator Michael T. Ernst and different fallen heroes by guaranteeing that future generations of service members are higher protected throughout their important preparations for defending our nation.
Conclusion
Michael Ernst had a distinguished army profession, incomes quite a few awards for his bravery and repair to the nation throughout a number of deployments. The accident that took his life highlights the risks of army coaching workout routines, significantly high-altitude low-opening jumps.
It is very important keep in mind Navy SEAL Michael Ernst’s sacrifice and honor his legacy as a hero who gave all the pieces for our freedom. As we replicate on his passing, allow us to additionally think about how we will enhance security protocols in army coaching workout routines to forestall comparable tragedies from occurring sooner or later.
In case you are all in favour of studying extra about Navy SEALs or supporting their mission, go to navyseal.com.
Michael Ernst was a devoted NSW sailor who served his nation with distinction. He was a member of SEAL Staff 8 and had accomplished SEAL coaching in 2006. Throughout his profession, he earned a number of awards, together with the Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and the NATO Medal.
Michael Ernst’s passing was an ideal loss to the Naval Particular Warfare Command and the SEAL group. He was pronounced lifeless after being transported to a close-by hospital. Our ideas and prayers exit to his household, together with Mike’s spouse, as they address this troublesome time.
If you wish to study extra concerning the Ernst household and how one can help them, please go to navysealfoundation.org.
The submit Remembering A Mighty Warrior: Navy SEAL Michael Ernst appeared first on US Navy.
