Daniel W. Swift, a former US Navy SEAL who deserted the military nearly four years ago, was reported killed while fighting in Ukraine, according to the Navy.
Swift, a special warfare operator 1st class, was killed on Wednesday, the Navy confirmed in a statement. He deserted the military on March 11, 2019.
The Navy stated, “We cannot speculate on the reasons why the former Sailor was in Ukraine.”
Swift had his Trident pin revoked, a significant action taken by a Trident Review Board when a sailor no longer meets the standards expected of a Navy SEAL.
The State Department acknowledged the recent death of a US citizen fighting in Ukraine but did not provide further details about the circumstances of his death.
“We are in contact with his family and offering all possible consular assistance,” a State Department spokesperson said. “Out of respect for the family’s privacy during this challenging time, we have no further comment.”
According to his Navy service record, Swift joined the Navy in 2005 and completed SEAL training in 2006. He received commendations for his service in Iraq and Afghanistan. His record includes an unexplained hiatus from early 2014 to late 2015. His final assignment was with a West Coast Special Warfare Unit, starting in August 2016.
COMMENTS