This week, the offensive to recapture the Iraq city of Mosul from ISIS control began. And sadly, there has already been an American killed, his name is Jason C. Finan. On Friday, the Defense Department announced that the 34-year-old Navy chief petty officer had died while helping carry out Operation Inherent Resolve in its fight against ISIS.
The Pentagon said Finan died Thursday, after sustaining wounds in an improvised explosive device blast during the liberation of the Iraqi city. Finan, part of the Navy’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 3, died from wounds after a roadside bombing attack north of Mosul. Finan was part of a U.S. team advising and assisting Iraqi Kurd fighters,
Finan is survived by his wife, Chariss, and their 7-year-old son, and they live in Imperial Beach, California.
Finan, a native of Anaheim, enlisted in the Navy in August of 2003 and had earned several commendations throughout his lengthy military career.
“Chief Finan was extremely proud of his service to his country [and] he was deeply respected by his peers and teammates,” Capt. Dean Muriano, commander of Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group Unit 1, said in a statement Saturday. “His family and brothers in arms are mourning and grieving the loss of this respected and talented Sailor.”
The death was a “reminder that our people who are participating in the counter-(ISIS) campaign … are in harm’s way,” said Defense Secretary Ash Carter. “This is necessary work, because it’s necessary for us to destroy (ISIS) in Iraq and Syria.”
City of Anaheim flags at half-staff through sundown Monday in honor of Chief Petty Officer Jason C. Finan who lost his life Thursday. pic.twitter.com/puSYs0TUK6
— City of Anaheim (@City_of_Anaheim) October 22, 2016
Finan’s death is the fourth U.S. soldier killed in combat in Iraq since U.S. military operations against Islamic State began in that country in August 2014.
Thank you for your service.