Layton, James Ray

James Ray Layton was a 22-year-old Petty Officer Third Class from Riverbank, California. He served in the United States Navy, assigned to Riverine Coastal Assault Craft Crew Charlie (RCAC-C) and was part of Embedded Training Team (ETT) 2-8, 2nd Brigade, a unit tasked with advising and mentoring Afghan security forces.

On September 9, 2009, Layton died in Kunar Province, a volatile region in eastern Afghanistan bordering Pakistan. According to the U.S. Department of Defense, his death was the result of a hostile incident. Specific details of the engagement were not widely released, but his unit was operating in an area known for insurgent activity and complex attacks.

Layton was killed during Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led military campaign in Afghanistan that began in October 2001 following the September 11 attacks. The mission evolved from counter-terrorism to a protracted counterinsurgency and nation-building effort, with a significant focus on training Afghan National Security Forces.

The Department of Defense announced his death on September 11, 2009. He was reportedly survived by his wife and parents. His name is inscribed on the Afghanistan War Memorial at the Riverbank Veterans Memorial Park in his hometown.

PO3 Layton's service is recorded on the Navy Memorial's roll of honor and the Pentagon's official casualty lists. His role in an Embedded Training Team highlights the advisory and training mission that became a central component of the international coalition's strategy in the latter years of the conflict.

PO3 James Layton was killed during Operation Enduring Freedom (2001–2014). The conflict concluded in December 2014. See the full roster of those killed in this conflict.

Among those documented in the same conflict: Andrews, Evander Earl, Edmunds, Jonn Joseph, Stonesifer, Kristofor Tif, Davis, Bryant Leroy.

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