NORFOLK (AP) -- A Norfolk-based SEAL died while on patrol in Afghanistan, according to military officials.
The Navy said in a release Sunday that Special Warfare Operator 1st Class Caleb A. Nelson of Omaha, Neb., died Saturday after his vehicle struck an improvised explosive device while conducting a combat patrol in Zabul province.
The 26-year-old was assigned to a Naval Special Warfare unit in Norfolk since December 2006. Nelson deployed to Iraq in 2009, and then to Afghanistan this past March.
'Caleb Nelson was a cherished teammate, a gifted SEAL operator, and a loving husband and father.His tireless professionalism, inspiring passion for life, and his humble and selfless service to our country made him a role model for all who knew him,' said Capt Tim Szymanski, Commander of Naval Special Warfare Group TWO.
'We are deeply saddened by this tremendous loss and yet comforted knowing that Caleb died serving beside the people he loved. Our hearts and prayers go out to the Nelson family during this very difficult time, and we will never forget the ultimate sacrifice that Caleb made while protecting our nation and his teammates.'
Petty Officer Nelson joined the Navy in the engineering career field and graduated boot camp on October 11, 2005.
He attended service school training at Great Lakes, Ill and was rated as a Machinist's Mate. After graduating from Navy technical training, Nelson was accepted to attend Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL Training in Coronado, Calif. He graduated SEAL Qualification Training with Class 260 in November 2006.
His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star with Valor, Purple Heart, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Sea Service Ribbon (2 awards), NATO Service Medal, Expert Rifle ribbon, and Expert Pistol ribbon.
