Seth Stone | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Nickname(s) | Stoner |
| Born | September 17, 1976 Winter Park, Florida, U.S. |
| Died | September 30, 2017 (aged 41) Perris, California, U.S. |
| Cause of death | Parachuting Accident |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service | United States Navy |
| Rank | Commander |
| Battles / wars | Iraq War |
| Awards |
|
Seth Stone (September 17, 1976 - September 30, 2017) was a former United States Navy SEAL and two time Silver Star recipient. [1]
Stone was born September 17, 1976, in Houston, Texas. [2] His passion for serving his country led him to pursue a career in the military. [3]
CDR. Stone attended the US Naval Academy and graduated 1999 with the service selection as a SWO (Surface Warfare Officer). After about two years, he was able to go to transfer and successfully completed Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training. He demonstrated exceptional skills in various tactical operations, including marksmanship, hand-to-hand combat, and mission planning. [4] [5] Stone graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, in 1999. [4] His past assignments include Naval Special Warfare Command and the USS Gettysburg (CG-64). Stone's military training included Navy Freefall Parachutist, Basic Underwater Demolitions/SEAL, Survival Evasion Resistance Escape (SERE), Airborne, Special Operations Survival Training, Tomahawk Watch Officer, Basic Aegis Officer Console Operator, Surface Warfare Gunnery and Harpoon Officer. [4]
Throughout his career, Stone was deployed to numerous conflict zones. His service included multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, including the Battle of Ramadi in 2006. [6]
Stone died September 30, 2017, after his parachute failed to deploy thousands of feet in the air. Stone was 41. [7] At the time of the incident, Commander Stone, who was assigned to Special Operations Command Pacific, was on leave. The coroner's investigation, detailed in the autopsy report, indicates that Stone had jumped from a hot-air balloon at approximately 4,000 feet altitude. [4] [8]
Stone's exceptional performance and leadership qualities earned him several awards and commendations including two Silver Star with Gold Star awards, Bronze Star with Valor device, Army Commendation Medal with Valor device, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal and Meritorious Unit Commendation. [6]
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