NSW Renames Training Site to Honor MOH Recipient

From Naval Special Warfare Group ONE Public Affairs

CAMPO, Calif. (NNS) -- Naval Special Warfare Group ONE (NSWG-1) held a dedication ceremony at the Assaults and Tactical Weapons Training Complex, La Posta Sept. 25 to rename the site Camp Michael Monsoor.

The dedication further honors Master-at-Arms Second Class (SEAL) Michael Monsoor, who died Sept. 29, 2006, while supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom and was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.

Camp Michael Monsoor includes established weapons ranges and tactical training centers, as well as several state-of-the-art training facilities; including a live-fire Close Quarters Combat (CQC) building, light explosives trainer, residential mock-ups and additional administration buildings. The 15,000-square-foot CQC facility is the largest live-fire "shoot house" in North America. There are also plans for additional dynamic weapons ranges.

Commander, Naval Special Warfare Command, Rear Adm. Brian L. Losey, spoke about the Camp's importance to future generations of SEALs, affording the opportunity to acquire advanced combat techniques and revere Monsoor's heritage.

"The dedication of this camp in honor of MA2 Michael A. Monsoor will remind every warrior that trains here of the highest examples of the heroic, selfless service that he lived," said Losey. He added that Monsoor was the embodiment of the SEAL Ethos and a hero to be idolized by all those who serve and wish to serve as special operators.

More importantly, Monsoor learned to be an altruistic leader through the example of his family, which is devoted to service and the greater good, said Losey.

More than 100 friends, family members, and SEALs who served with Monsoor attended the ceremony. George and Sally Monsoor, parents of MA2 Monsoor, traveled from Orange County, California, with members of their extended family to participate in the ceremony and witness their beloved son's legacy.

"Mike would have loved being here; he loved being a SEAL and loved the guys he worked with," said Mrs. Monsoor, with tears in her eyes. "This is a beautiful facility. If Michael were here, he would have said 'there are other men and women who deserve to be recognized.' That's just how he was. Mike was a humble guy."

Additionally, Mrs. Monsoor said she was grateful for the support her family received from NSW and thanked all the Sailors and everyone involved who helped make this dedication a reality.

NSWG-1 Commander, Capt. Todd J. Seniff, noted that Monsoor's namesake and character add to the legacy of the hallowed grounds.

"On this range complex, you can trace the arc of the SEAL operator's existence," said Seniff, "and so it is right and fitting that is should have Michael's name on it."

While repelling an attack by insurgents, Monsoor and his teammates were providing cover fire from a rooftop. After an intense exchange of fire, an insurgent threw a hand grenade in the middle of Monsoor's team. Without hesitation, Monsoor covered the grenade with his body, sacrificing himself to protect his fellow teammates. Michael Monsoor was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor on April 8, 2008.