Local SEAL killed in Afghanistan

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) - A Hampton Roads-based Navy SEAL has died in Afghanistan, the Navy announced Friday.

Chief Special Warfare Operator Adam Lee Brown, 36, was killed during combat operations on March 18th.

Officials say Brown, a distinguished and highly decorated combat veteran, was fatally wounded during a battle with heavily armed militants. Brown was forward deployed to Afghanistan as part of an East Coast based SEAL Team. 

"He joined the SEALS because of patriotic duty. He saw the challenges of being a Navy SEAL, and wanted to be part of a tight group," said Public Affairs Lt. Arlo Abrahamson of Naval Special Warfare Group TWO. 

Petty Officer Brown's Commanding Officer said, "Adam Brown was a brave American patriot and fantastic Navy SEAL. We are deeply saddened by this tremendous loss of a fellow brother in arms and teammate."

The Commanding Officer's name was not released. "Our heart goes out to the Brown family during this very difficult time and we, in the Naval Special Warfare community, will never forget the ultimate sacrifice that Adam made for our nation and its people."

Brown, a native of Hot Springs, Ark., is survived by his wife and two children, who live in Virginia Beach, and his parents in Hot Springs.

Brown enlisted in the Navy in August, 1998. Since April, 2001, he has been 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.

The Navy said Brown was a highly-decorated combat veteran and received numerous awards and citations during his 12-year Navy career, including the Bronze Star with combat "V" distinguishing device; Purple Heart; Joint Service Commendation Medal with combat "V" distinguishing device; Joint Service Achievement Medal; Five Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals' Three Good Conduct Medals; the National Defense Service Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal; Iraq Campaign Medal; Marksmanship medals for both rifle and pistol, and a multitude of personal, unit, and campaign decorations.

"Our condolences go out to the Brown family during this very difficult time, and we in the Naval Special Warfare Community will never forget the ultimate sacrifice that Adam made for our Nation and her people," Abrahamson said.  

The Brown family will hold a private ceremony Wednesday in Hot Springs, Ark.

A private military memorial for Adam Brown will be held a Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek - Fort Story at a later date.