Cryptologic Technician Collection 1st Class (Expeditionary Warfare Specialist) Michael Joseph Strange

Petty Officer 1st Class Strange, 25, was a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He enlisted in the United States Navy in September, 2004.

After graduating from Recruit Training Command at Great Lakes, Illinois in November, 2004, he reported to the Center for Information Dominance at Pensacola, Florida. He completed his training at the Center for Information Dominance in April, 2005, and reported to Navy Information Operations Command, Kunia, Hawaii. In May 2009, he checked into his East Coast based SEAL Team.

Petty Officer Strange’s awards include Joint Service Commendation Medal (2) one with “V” device for valor, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Good Conduct Medal (2), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (2), Rifleman Marksmanship Medal, and Pistol Marksmanship Medal.

STATEMENT OF VICE ADMIRAL KENDALL CARD

IDC Community,

The Department of Defense officially announced earlier today (Thursday, August 11, 2011) the names of the 30 U.S. Service members who died on August 6 while supporting Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.  They died in Wardak province, Afghanistan when their CH-47 Chinook helicopter was shot down.

With the release of this announcement, we can officially recognize and acknowledge the sacrifices of the two IDC Sailors among the 30 American heroes we lost:

- Information Systems Technician Petty Officer 1st Class (Expeditionary Warfare Specialist/Freefall Parachutist) Jared W. Day, 28, of Taylorsville, Utah

- Cryptologist Technician (Collection) Petty Officer 1st Class (Expeditionary Warfare Specialist) Michael J. Strange, 25, of Philadelphia, Pa; and

Both were assigned to an East Coast-based Naval Special Warfare unit.

Petty Officers Day and Strange represent the best of what we aspire to be: Warriors, fighting in service to our country.  Their dedication to the mission, our Navy, and the United States of America must not be forgotten as we join their families and Shipmates in mourning their loss.

Please join me in offering a salute to Petty Officers Strange and Day,  as well as the other 28 American heroes we lost - they made the ultimate sacrifice so that we all can enjoy the freedoms many take for granted.  We honor them for their dedicated service, and offer our heartfelt condolences to their families, friends, and Shipmates.