The Navy announced Thursday that a SEAL killed in action last week will be posthumously advanced to senior chief petty officer.

Chief Special Warfare Operator William "Ryan" Owens, 36, of Peoria, Illinois, died Jan. 29, 2017, in the Arabian Peninsula of Yemen, of wounds sustained in a raid against al-Qaida.

The Navy approved an exception to policy request for Owens' posthumous advancement, effective the day of his death.

Owens was eligible for the fiscal year 2018 active duty Senior Chief Petty Officer Selection Board, which will convene in April.

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