Illi, Nikkolas Seijin

Also known as: PO2, COMFAIRFWD DET ASD MISAWA

Combatant

Male Verified

DiedMarch 13, 2018

Age31 years old

Location of DeathJUFFAIR, BAHRAIN

Cause of DeathNon-combat incident (as reported by the Department of Defense)

Conflict Operation Inherent Resolve

Petty Officer Second Class Nikkolas Seijin Illi, a 31-year-old American sailor from Honolulu, Hawaii, died in Juffair, Bahrain on March 13, 2018. The Department of Defense confirmed his death as a non-combat incident while he was supporting

Their Story

Nikkolas Seijin Illi was a Petty Officer Second Class in the United States Navy. He was assigned to Commander, Fleet Activities Forward Detachment Atsugi, Misawa, Japan, and was deployed in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, the U.S.-led coalition campaign against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria.

On March 13, 2018, Illi died in Juffair, Bahrain, a major naval support hub for U.S. forces in the region. The Department of Defense stated his death was a non-combat incident. No further operational details regarding the circumstances were publicly released by the Navy.

Operation Inherent Resolve began in August 2014 after the Islamic State militant group seized large territories in Iraq and Syria, including the city of Mosul. The coalition's mission focused on conducting airstrikes, training local forces, and providing military support to degrade and ultimately defeat the militant group's territorial control.

Following his death, Illi was remembered by his command in Misawa, Japan. The Navy released a statement extending condolences to his family and friends, noting his service. He was posthumously awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal.

Illi's name is listed on the Department of Defense casualty roster for 2018. He is memorialized on the Navy Memorial's roll of honor and by veterans' organizations recognizing service members who died during Operation Inherent Resolve.