Navy commander removed from job early after death of SEAL candidate last year

A Navy leader reprimanded over the death of a SEAL prospect in 2015 has actually been gotten rid of from his task early, according to 2 Navy authorities, as the Navy prepares to launch a wider examination into the infamously tough SEAL training course.

Capt. Brian Drechsler, who acted as leader of Naval Unique Warfare Center, was eased in a modification of command event on Tuesday, the Navy stated. The modification of command came 2 months early for Drechsler, an authorities stated, who was among 3 Navy officers to get administrative action after the death of Navy SEAL prospect Kyle Mullen in February 2022.

In a short declaration Tuesday, the Navy made no reference of Mullen. “Capt. Mark Burke relieved Capt. Brian Drechsler as leader of the Naval Unique Warfare Center (NSWCEN),” the Navy stated. Naval Unique Warfare Center’s objective consists of the “evaluation, choice, and training of SEALs and [Special Warfare Combatant-Craft Crewmen].”.

Among the authorities stated Drechsler is anticipated to retire quickly.

Mullen, 24, passed away of bacterial pneumonia in the hours after finishing what is called “Hell Week” throughout the unique operations force’s requiring fundamental training program. In the 24 hr prior to he finished his training, Mullen had breathing concerns and spending fluid, however he was not pulled from training or sent out to a health center upon the course’s conclusion.

Navy detectives concluded Mullen passed away in the “line of task, not due to his own misbehavior,” Naval Unique Warfare Command stated in a declaration at the conclusion of a line of task examination in October.

A different, more comprehensive examination into the grueling SEALs choice course is anticipated quickly, among the Navy authorities stated.

Started by the previous Vice Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. William Lescher, the examination is analyzing oversight of the most tough and penalizing aspects of the SEALs choice course, consisting of a take a look at using efficiency improving drugs within fundamental training to finish the course.

Mullen’s death drew increased analysis of the policies, personnel preparation and precaution around among the armed force’s most elite systems.