Following the extensive search efforts conducted by the U.S. Coast Guard and Tampa Bay authorities, U.S. Special Operations Command is saddened by the loss of our shipmate, Chief Petty Officer Kenneth Gates, 32, of Lawrenceville, Georgia.

Chief Gates, a 10-year veteran of the U.S. Navy, joined the headquarters in 2015 and was assigned to the Force Management Division. While serving in the Navy element's human resources office, he was a leader, teammate and friend to many across the staff.

"Chief Gates was not only an integral part of the Navy team here at SOCOM, he was a caring father and an amazing mentor to the Sailors who worked for him," explained Capt. Kent Paro, U.S. SOCOM's Navy element commander. "He will be deeply missed at home and on base."

The command is grateful to the Coast Guardsmen, Hillsborough County Sheriff and other local authorities for their support and effort across the multi-day search and rescue operations. U.S. Special Operations Command is reliant upon the support of the local community, even more so during times like this.

While Chief Gates' family and friends grieve, we would ask for the media and public to respect their privacy during this difficult period.

Media queries can be directed to Lt. Col. Robert Bockholt at matthew.bockholt@socom.mil or (813)826-4238.