Naval Special Warfare Combat Support Sailor Killed in Iraq
Story Number: NNS090501-39
Release Date: 5/1/2009 4:42:00 PM
From Naval Special Warfare Group 2 Public Affairs
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- A Sailor assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 12, Norfolk, Va., was killed while conducting combat operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom April 30.
Explosive Ordnance Disposalman 2nd Class Tyler J. Trahan, 22, of East Freetown, Mass., was temporarily assigned to a SEAL team based out of Virginia Beach, Va.
"Petty Officer Tyler Trahan was an exemplary leader and exceptional EOD technician. Our hearts go out to his family and friends in this very difficult time. He was a great warrior, teammate, and friend to so many. His patriotic spirit will live on in each of us," said Cmdr. Joseph Polanin, commanding officer of Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 12. "His supreme sacrifice will not be in vain."
Trahan enlisted in the U.S. Navy May 16, 2006, and graduated from boot camp at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes in July 2006. He then attended the Center for Naval Engineering in Great Lakes before reporting to Naval Dive and Salvage Training Center in Panama City, Fla.
He attended Naval Explosive Ordnance Disposal School at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida from November 2006 to October 2007.
His next duty station was Explosive Ordnance Disposal Training and Evaluation Unit 1 in San Diego from November to December 2007, and then on to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 12 in Norfolk, Va., in December 2007.
Trahan's awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V" (Valor) Distinguishing Device, Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, and Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal.
For more information on Naval Special Warfare visit the www.seal.navy.mil.
