Officer assigned to SEAL unit dies during PT - Navy News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Navy Times

Officer assigned to SEAL unit dies during PT

An information warfare officer assigned to an East Coast SEAL unit died Tuesday during physical training, officials said Thursday morning.

Lt. Thomas C. Fouke, 28, of St. Louis, collapsed while taking part in a supervised physical training course at Little Creek, Va., according to an account provided by Lt. Arlo Abrahamson, spokesman for the East Coast SEAL community. He was treated at the scene by Navy medics and rushed to a local hospital. Fouke was pronounced dead at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, the group said.

The specific SEAL unit was not identified. The cause of death is under investigation.

“We are deeply saddened and shocked by the sudden loss of a great teammate like Thomas,” said Capt. Brad Treadway, commander of Naval Special Warfare Group 10. “On behalf of the Naval Special Warfare community, we extend our heartfelt condolences and prayers to the Fouke family during this very difficult time. We will do everything we can to support Thomas’ family and our grieving service members during this period of mourning.”

Fouke was not a SEAL; information warfare personnel are among specialists assigned to support SEAL units, Abrahamson said. Information warfare officers are trained in cryptology, computer network operations and electronic warfare.

Fouke earned his commission in May 2006 after graduation from the University of Florida. He served at Navy Information Operations Command Misawa, Japan from July 2006 until October 2009. He transferred to Navy Information Operations Command Bahrain, serving there from November 2009 until May 2011. In June 2011, Fouke reported to an East Coast-based naval special warfare unit.

Fouke is survived by his mother, father and brother.