Minn. Navy Seal Dies During Training In Ariz.
(WCCO)2/14/08 A Navy SEAL from Minnesota died Wednesday after being injured while parachute training in Arizona.

Senior Chief Petty Officer Thomas J. Valentine, 37, had been in the Navy since 1989. He was from Ham Lake, Minn.

The incident took place while conducting training at a military training facility previously used for parachute training by Navy personnel in Marana, Ariz. The Navy said SEALs were doing free-fall training at the time.

The Navy said Valentine died from injuries suffered during the parachute training.

"Senior Chief Valentine was one of the finest SEALs I have ever known. He served his country with valor during multiple tours to Afghanistan and Iraq," said Capt. Scott Moore, Commander, Naval Special Warfare Development Group in a released statement.

The Navy and local authorities are investigating Valentine's death.

Valentine is survived by his wife, two children, his parents, a brother and a sister.


"This is a stark reminder that what these warriors do on a daily basis is very dangerous, both on and off of the battlefield. It's incredibly important for them to train like they're going to fight to ensure success on the battlefield, this premise demands potentially dangerous training evolutions also," said Lt. David Luckett, Naval Special Warfare spokesperson, in a released statement.

Another Navy SEAL died during training Jan. 30. Petty Officer 2nd Class Alex Ghane was killed during a live fire exercise in Lake Cormorant, Miss.