In February 2022, tragedy struck during Navy SEAL candidate training when Seaman Kyle Mullen lost his life. This unfortunate event brought heightened scrutiny to the Navy SEAL selection process and raised broader questions about the public perception of Navy SEALs. Specifically, it questioned whether the rigorous training process aims to identify the most capable service members or if its physical and mental toll may outweigh its benefits. This inquiry is poised to return to the spotlight, as the Navy has announced an official investigation into the circumstances surrounding Seaman Mullen’s death, with a particular focus on three of his commanding officers.
As reported by Matt White at Task & Purpose, the Navy is conducting an Admiral’s mast with the charge of dereliction of duty (a form of non-judicial punishment within the Navy). The three officers facing the Admiral’s mast, namely Capt. Brian Drechsler, Capt. Bradley Geary, and Cmdr. Erk Ramey, held senior positions at the Naval Special Warfare Center during the time of Seaman Mullen’s tragic incident.
Earlier this year, White detailed the findings of the Navy’s investigation into Mullen’s death, revealing that Mullen had developed pneumonia during the demanding “Hell Week” of BUD/S training. Shockingly, despite visible signs of illness, no one took appropriate steps to address the situation. This included the disturbing fact that medical personnel allowed Mullen to return to training, even when he required an oxygen mask to breathe at one point.
The three officers facing the Admiral’s mast have the option to decline the procedure. Should they choose to do so, the charges against them would instead be resolved through a court martial.
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SOURCE
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/navy-seal-commanders-face-charges-following-candidates-death/ar-AA1gwajS