A former US Navy SEAL, who deserted nearly four years ago, was killed fighting in Ukraine, according to an army spokesman.
Daniel W. Swift, who served as a Level 1 Special Warfare Operator, was killed Wednesday in Ukraine, the Navy said in a statement. Swift left the army on March 11, 2019.
The statement did not provide specific details on how Swift got involved in the fight.
We cannot speculate as to why the former Sailor was in Ukraine,” the Navy said.
Swift removed her Trident pin, a Navy official said, a serious step taken after the Trident Review Board determined a sailor no longer met the requirements to become a Navy SEAL.
The US State Department confirmed the recent death of a US citizen fighting in Ukraine but did not provide further details on the circumstances.
“We are in contact with his family and providing all possible consular assistance,” a State Department spokesman said. “Out of respect for the family’s privacy during this difficult time, we have nothing more to say.”
Swift joined the Navy in 2005 and completed Navy SEAL training in 2006, according to his service record provided by the Navy. During his time in the military, he won awards and medals for his service in Iraq and Afghanistan.
His record also includes an unexplained leave of service from early 2014 to late 2015. His last assignment was with the West Coast Special Warfare Unit, which began in August 2016.
CNN’s Jennifer Hansler contributed to this report.
