Chief Special Warfare Operator Bradley S. Cavner, 31, of Coronado, California, died from injuries sustained during an accident while conducting parachute jump training operations in El Centro, California, June 23.
“The training SEALs go through is inherently high-risk,” said Cmdr. Christian A. Dunbar, Naval Special Warfare Group One’s chief staff officer. “Bradley was a warrior who selflessly answered his nation’s call to defend freedom and protect us.”
Cavner enlisted in the Navy February 3, 2003 and graduated from boot camp at Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois, in April 2003. In July 2004, Cavner completed Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL and SEAL Qualification training in Coronado with class 247. He has served with West Coast-based SEAL units since August 2004.
His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V”, Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat “V”, Army Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2), Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Good Conduct Medal (3), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (3), Navy/Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon and the NATO Medal.
An investigation is being conducted to determine the cause of the accident.
[mappress] Press Release, June 25, 2014; Image: US Navy