John Weston Faas bio

Chief Petty Officer Faas, 31, was a native of Minneapolis, Minnesota. He enlisted in the United States Navy in September, 1999.

After graduating Recruit Training Command at Great Lakes, Illinois, he attended his initial service school training at Great Lakes Illinois until November, 1999. He then attended Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training at Coronado, California in April, 2000. Upon completion of BUD/S, he reported to his East Coast based SEAL Team in July, 2001.

Chief Petty Officer Faas’ awards include the Bronze Star Medal with ‘V’ device for valor (3), Joint Service Commendation Medal with ‘V’ device for valor, Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon (2), Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Citation, Good Conduct Medal (2), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal (3), Iraq Campaign Medal (3), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (3), Rifle Marksmanship Medal and the Pistol Marksmanship Medal.

His family released this statement to the St. Paul Pioneer Press :

" John made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting the ideals of our nation; while doing a job he loved, and while serving with the people he loved. Although his life was tragically cut short, his spirit will live on in his family and friends, and the brave men who served by his side until his death."

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Commander, Naval Special Warfare Command, Rear Admiral Sean A. Pybus, released the following statement:

“ Early Saturday morning, Aug. 6, Naval Special Warfare suffered a tremendous loss of 22 men while conducting critical special operations combat in Afghanistan. They cannot be replaced. We will honor their service and sacrifice, and embrace their families as our own, in this time of immeasurable grief. The outpouring of support and sympathy from the Armed Services, the Government, Communities and the Public is well beyond my ability to properly thank. The Naval Special Warfare Community is deeply humbled and appreciative.

Our NSW men were in company with U.S. Army aircrew, U.S. Air Force para-rescue and combat controllers, and an Afghan security element. We grieve for all of them, and admire their teamwork, commitment and courage. I have great hope for the future knowing that extraordinary men dedicate themselves completely to the idea and the actions of freedom and security, not only for ourselves but for others. We are truly blessed that such men answer a call to military service at the highest levels of professionalism and capability, but also deeply saddened by their loss. In the days and weeks ahead, I would ask for your thoughts, prayers and support for NSW, our Families, the Special Operations Community, and all of our Armed Forces.”

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Insurgents shot down a Chinook helicopter in Eastern Afghanistan on August 6, 2011, killing 30 U.S. service members and eight Afghans, including 22 members of Naval Special Warfare.