A US Navy explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) sailor died during a US Marine Corps exercise in Hawaii on Sunday, April 17.
29-year-old Lt. j.g. Aaron Fowler, assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit One, became unresponsive during the training and was pronounced deceased at the hospital.
At the time of his death, the Fowler was participating in the Marine Corps Reconnaissance Leaders Course, which includes amphibious operations taking place at Marine Corps Base Hawaii in Kanehoe Bay.
The incident is currently under investigation by NCIS and local authorities, the navy said.
“Our deepest sympathies go out to Aaron’s family and friends, and we join them in remembering and mourning this brave warrior,” said Rear Adm. Joseph Diguardo, Jr., commander, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command. “His decision to join this elite special operations community was a testament to the dedicated and selfless character he embodied and his legacy will endure in our ranks through those he inspired by his service.”
Fowler, who entered the service in 2012 and commissioned after graduating from the Naval Academy in May 2018, reported to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit One in January 2022.
Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit One, based in San Diego, supports the fleet and joint force by clearing explosive hazards to provide access to denied areas, securing the undersea domain for freedom of maneuver.
