REMEMBERING  A  NAVY  SEAL

Chief Petty Officer Adam Lee Brown spent much of his 12-year Navy career fighting battles that will never be known in places never mentioned.  Only a few know of the work Brown did.  The rows of ribbons on the uniform he was buried in tell part of the story – one filled with combat and courage.

Brown finished high school at Lake Hamilton High School in Pearcy, Arkansas, and attended Arkansas Tech University before joining the Navy in August 1998.  He joined the SEALS because of patriotic duty as he wanted to be part of a tight group.  Since 2001 he was assigned to various East Coast based SEAL teams where he made several combat deployments in support of the Global War on Terror, distinguishing himself during numerous combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.  On March 18, 2010, he was a member of a SEAL team conducting a combat operation in Komar Province, Afghanistan, when the team encountered the enemy and engaged in a fire fight.  Reports of the action state that a portion of the US soldiers were pinned down by very heavy fire from the enemy compound and in an effort to protect his men, Brown charged the enemy and was firing on the enemy from a better vantage point, drawing fire away from his pinned down comrades.  His selfless action relieved the fire on his men but it unfortunately resulted in Brown being struck by enemy fire.  One other member of his team was wounded but Brown’s heroic action saved the other men.  The enemy compound was captured and all enemy combatants were killed in the action.

Friends and associates have said that Brown’s courage was only one side of a complex man who balanced his life with Christian faith.  He was known for his kindness and compassion as much as he was for his toughness and fearlessness.  A comrade said, “He will always be my best friend.  Adam was the toughest man I ever met.  He was the most selfless person I ever met.”  Another said, “Most importantly, his love and commitment to his family should serve as an example to all men.  Adam poured his soul into getting the most out of life.”  “He fell protecting his teammates.  Adam died a hero,” said another.

In early 2012 the book, “Fearless: The Undaunted Courage and Ultimate Sacrifice of Navy SEAL Team Six Operator Adam Brown,” was published in his honor to chronicle  his life and achievements.  He is survived by his wife and two children.  SOC Brown has been laid to rest at Cunningham Cemetery, Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas.

Submitted by CDR Roy A. Mosteller, USNR (Ret)