The commanding officer of Navy SEAL Team 1, Cmdr. Robert Ramirez III, was found dead Monday in his home in San Diego County, California.
Foul play is not suspected in Ramirez’s death, which is still being investigated by San Diego police, Naval Special Warfare Command officials said in an emailed statement to American Military News.
Records show that Ramirez, a native of Virginia, took over SEAL Team 1 in June. Since enlisting in 1996, he earned five Bronze Star Medals, two of which came with Combat “V” devices indicating valor and heroism.
Ramirez also earned three Combat Action ribbons and medals during campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan.
“Bobby was an outstanding leader, devoted husband and father, and a good friend to us all,” said Capt. David Abernathy, the commanding officer of Naval Special Warfare Group 1, which manages all San Diego-based Navy SEAL teams. “This is a devastating loss to our community and all who knew him. We will remain in support of Bobby’s family, friends and teammates during this extremely difficult time.”
Another SEAL team commander died just over a year ago. SEAL Team 8 Cmdr. Brian Bourgeois died in December 2021 after falling from a helicopter during a training event.
Special operations officials revealed the incident was caused by helicopter communication issues, an early release of the Bourgeois’ rope, and “a lack of adequate communication between the aircrew and the partner ground force,” officials said.
This was a breaking news story. The details were periodically updated as more information became available.
