Edgewater SEAL 1 of 7 killed in crash

EDGEWATER, Md. (WMAR) - The Department of Defense has identified the 7 service members that were killed in a helicopter crash on August 16, northeast of Kandahar, Afghanistan.

Special Warfare Operator Petty Officer 1st Class Patrick Feeks, 28, of Edgewater was one of the causalities. He was assigned to a West-Coast naval special warfare unit.  

Feeks enlisted in the Navy in 2006, and graduated from boot camp at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes, Ill. in January 2007. In October 2007, Feeks completed Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training in Coronado, Calif., and then went on to advanced training. He has served with a West Coast-based SEAL unit since May 2008.

Seven American service members died when a Black Hawk helicopter crashed in southern Afghanistan. The Taliban claimed to have shot down the helicopter, but U.S. officials have cast doubt on that and said that the investigation is ongoing.

Special Warfare Operator Petty Officer 2nd Class David J. Warsen, 27, of Kentwood, Mich. was also assigned to the same unit as Feeks and died in the crash.

Also killed in the crash were Chief Warrany Officer Brian Hornsby, 37, of Melbourne, Fla., Chief Warrant Officer Suresh N. A. Krause, 29, of Cathedral City, Calif., Explosive Ordnance Disposal Petty Officer Technician 1st Class Sean P. Carson, 32, of Des Moines, Wash.,Sgt. Richard A. Essex, 23, of Kelseyville, Calif., Sgt. Luis A. Oliver Galbreath, 41, of San Juan, Puerto Rico.

"Our hearts go out to the family, friends, and teammates of Petty Officer Feeks and Petty Officer Warsen during this extremely difficult time.  They were great warriors, teammates and friends to many of us in the Naval Special Warfare community," said Capt. Collin P. Green, Naval Special Warfare Group One's commander.  "Although they are no longer with us, they will not be forgotten."

Feeks awards and decorations include the Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2), Good Conduct Medal (2), National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal (2) Afghanistan Campaign Medal, and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (3). 

Patrick is survived by his father Thomas, his mother Virginia, his sister Regina, and his wife Emily.