SO2 Adam O. Smith

por **doc_breacher** Miér 23 Feb 2011 - 12:10

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) - Three Hampton Roads-based sailors were among the nine killed in a military helicopter crash in southern Afghanistan, said military authorities on Wednesday.

Senior Chief Petty Officer David B., McLendon, 30, of Thomasville, Ga., Petty Officer 2nd Class (SEAL) Adam O. Smith, 26, of Hurland Mo., and Petty Officer 3rd Class (SEAL) Denis C. Miranda, 24, of Toms River, N.J. were among those that perished in the crash. All three were all based at Little Creek.

Smith entered the Navy in October 2004 and attended aviation technical training at Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, Fla. In March of 2005, Smith was accepted to BUD/S. After SEAL qualification training, Smith was assigned to an east coast SEAL Team, where he excelled as a special warfare operator, making numerous deployments in support of overseas contingency operations. Smith was described by fellow SEALs as a highly decorated combat veteran and dedicated teammate. Smith is survived by his mother and father.

"These men bravely and unselfishly answered the nation's call to defend freedom and protect the nation and its allies from terrorism," said Rear Adm. Winters. "The loss of these brave warriors will only strengthen our resolve in the fight against extremism and terror."