A Navy Seal killed during a Somali National Army-led operation on Friday was a native of Falmouth.
On Saturday the Pentagon identified him as 38-year-old Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator Kyle Milliken. He was assigned to a special warfare unit that was part of a mission targeting al-Shabaab in a remote area about 40 miles west of Mogadishu.
U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree of Maine’s 1st District said in a written statement that those who knew Milliken “remember him as an amazing athlete who could do flips on skis and run for miles.”
Milliken graduated from Cheverus High School as a top track star, Pingree says. After graduating from college he enlisted as a U.S. Navy Seal, one of the military’s most elite forces, which requires rigorous training.
“We will forever be grateful for Senior Chief Milliken’s selfless service to our nation and his commitment to a cause bigger than himself,” Pingree said.
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator Kyle Milliken,” U.S. Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King of Maine said in a joint statement. “He defended our nation with bravery and distinction and his sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
For many years Milliken had operated with Seal Team 6.
“He is irreplaceable as a husband, father, son, friend and teammate — and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and teammates,” said Rear Adm. Timonty Szymakski, commander of Naval Special Warfare Command.
U.S. forces were conducting a joint operation with members of the Somali National Army to specifically target an al-Shabaab group that has been associated with attacks against the United States, Somalia and African Union Mission forces in Somalia, the Navy said in a press release.
The Milliken family declined to speak with reporters, but they did release a written statement.
"The Milliken family would like to extend their gratitude to the community for their interest in our beloved Kyle. He was a devoted father and son, a true professional and a wonderful husband," the statement says. "While we appreciate your interest, we ask you respect our need for privacy."
Jeff Davis, director of Pentagon press operations, told reporters Milliken’s combat death in Somalia is the first one in that country since 1993, when 18 Americans were killed after two helicopters were shot down and an extended battle ensued on the ground in the infamous “Black Hawk Down” tragedy.
Two of the soldiers killed during that mission were also from Maine: Army Staff Sgt. Thomas Field of Lisbon and Army Master Sgt. Gary Gordon of Lincoln.
