Navy Special Warfare Operator 1st Class (SEAL) Caleb A. Nelson

Died October 1, 2011 Serving During Operation Enduring Freedom

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26, of Omaha, Neb., died Oct. 1 in Qalat, Afghanistan after his vehicle struck an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to Seal Team 10, Norfolk, Va.

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Fallen SEAL remembered as 'a cherished teammate'

The Associated Press

OMAHA, Neb. — A Navy SEAL who grew up in Omaha has been killed during combat patrol in Afghanistan, military officials confirmed Sunday.

Petty Officer 1st Class Caleb A. Nelson, 26, died Saturday when his vehicle was struck by an explosive device in Zabul province, according to the Department of Defense.

Nelson had been assigned to the Naval Special Warfare unit based in Norfolk, Va., since his graduation from SEAL training in 2006. A statement released by the unit said Nelson had been in Afghanistan since March. He’d previously been deployed to Iraq in 2009.

Capt. Tim Szymanski, commander of Naval Special Warfare Group Two, called Nelson “a cherished teammate, a gifted SEAL operator and a loving husband and father."

“His tireless professionalism, inspiring passion for life and his humble and selfless service to our country made him a role model for all who knew him,” Szymanski said. “... We will never forget the ultimate sacrifice that Caleb made while protecting our nation and his teammates.”

Nelson has received numerous awards and decorations for his military service, including the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.

Nelson is survived by his wife and two sons in Norfolk, Va., and his parents, who still live in Omaha.