From U.S. Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 2:
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (Feb. 27, 2013) – Navy Diver 1st Class James Reyher, 28, of Caldwell, Ohio, and Navy Diver 2nd Class Ryan Harris, 23, of Gladstone, Mo., died while conducting dive operations at the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Aberdeen, Md., Feb. 26.
Harris and Reyher were assigned to Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) 2, located at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Ft. Story.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of our teammates.” said Capt. John Coffey, Deputy Commander, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Group Two. “Petty Officer Harris and Petty Officer Reyher were exceptional Sailors. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families, friends and shipmates during this difficult time.”
Harris enlisted in the Navy on June 13, 2007 and graduated from Recruit Training Command Great Lakes, Ill. in Aug., 2007. Harris successfully completed dive training at the Navy Diving and Salvage Training Center in Panama City, Fla. and was designated a Navy Diver in Apr., 2008. He served at Navy Submarine Support Facility in New London, Conn. from May, 2008-June, 2011, before reporting to MDSU-2 in June, 2011.
Reyher enlisted in the Navy on May 28, 2008 and graduated from Recruit Training Command Great Lakes, Ill. in July, 2008. Reyher successfully completed dive training at the Navy Diving and Salvage Training Center in Panama City, Fla. and was designated a Navy Diver in Feb., 2009. He served at Naval Intermediate Maintenance Facility Pacific Northwest from March, 2009-April 2012 before reporting to MDSU-2 in April 2012.
“Ryan and James epitomized the unsung hero persona of the Navy Diver. We are fortunate to have had the opportunity to serve with them,” said CDR Michael Runkle, Commanding Officer, MDSU-2. “We are all deeply saddened by their loss and are focusing on supporting their families during this time of need.”
EODGRU-2 is conducting an investigation into the deaths of the Sailors.
Fair winds and following sea’s shipmates. Rest easy.
May their souls rest in peace and perpetual light shine upon them.