The highly decorated Navy Special Operations Commander was found dead at his San Diego home a month after taking over elite SEAL Team One: ‘We have lost a great hero’
- Commander Robert Ramirez III, 47, was found dead at his home in San Diego on Monday
- The decorated special operations commander was a “huge hero,” tributes said
- Ramirez, who was married with children, took charge of SEAL Team 1 last month
- A Navy colleague said, “We’ve lost a great hero and it’s going to hurt for a very long time.”
- Officials said there was no suspicion of foul play and the San Diego Police Department is investigating
A distinguished Navy Special Operations commander was found dead at his home in San Diego just a month after taking over elite SEAL Team 1.
Honors were given to the “great hero” Cmdr. Robert Ramirez III, 47, after being found Monday.
Capt. David Abernathy, commanding officer of Naval Special Warfare Group 1, which directs all San Diego-based SEAL teams, said, “Bobby was an outstanding leader, devoted husband and father, and a good friend to us all.
“This is a devastating loss to our community and all who knew him. We will continue to support Bobby’s family, friends and teammates during this extremely difficult time.’
No third-party fault is suspected in Ramirez’s death, Navy Special Warfare Command officials said Wednesday.
Commander Robert Ramirez III, 47, was found dead Monday. Friends and colleagues paid tribute to a “great hero” and “amazing human being”. Foul play not suspect in Ramirez’s death
Ramirez was married to wife Anne and they had several children together. Captain David Abernathy, commanding officer, Naval Special Warfare Group, said, “Bobby was an outstanding leader, devoted husband and father, and a good friend to us all.”
The San Diego Sheriff’s Department has launched an investigation.
Ramirez assumed command of SEAL Team 1 last month and arrived with the unit in June.
He was married to Mrs. Anne and they had several children together.
A friend, Jennifer James, said: “I’m devastated. Anne Ramirez and Robert Ramirez III have been my friends since high school and have represented our country through numerous outreaches and sacrifices to serve the United States Mission.
“We lost an amazing human being on Monday and Anne and Bobby’s story must be told.”
Ramirez, pictured with his family, joined the military in 1996 and was commissioned in 2008. He has three Combat Action Ribbons including for service in Iraq and Afghanistan
Obi Ugochukwu, a Navy medic, said: “It’s just a devastating loss. The pain of this loss is really deep.
“A lot of us were at Bobby’s handover ceremony and it was such a happy occasion. I don’t understand and I only pray for Anne, the children and the rest of the family.
“We lost a BIG HERO and it will hurt for a very long time.”
Ramirez joined the military in 1996 and was commissioned in 2008.
He has three Combat Action Ribbons including for service in Iraq and Afghanistan.
His other awards include five Bronze Star medals, two with the Combat-V symbol denoting bravery and heroic deeds.