The Navy sailor killed Monday during parachute training has been identified as a veteran SEAL with combat experience in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Chief Special Warfare Operator Bradley S. Cavner, 31, died from injuries sustained in a training accident in El Centro.

“The training SEALs go through is inherently high-risk,” said Cmdr. Christian Dunbar, Special Warfare Group One’s chief staff officer. “Bradley was a warrior who selflessly answered his nation’s call to defend freedom and protect us.”

Cavner enlisted in the Navy in February 2003 and graduated from SEAL training in Coronado in July 2004 and was assigned to a West Coast-based SEAL unit.


Cavner received a Bronze Star for bravery and a Combat Action Ribbon for being under fire and returning fire.

The accident is being investigated, the Navy said.