Looney, Brendan John

Brendan John Looney was a 2004 graduate of the United States Naval Academy. He served as a Navy SEAL officer assigned to SEAL Team Three, based in Coronado, California. He was from Owings, Maryland.

On September 21, 2010, Lieutenant Looney was killed in a helicopter crash in Ayatalah Village, Zabul province, Afghanistan. The UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter reportedly went down during a night mission. The crash killed all nine service members aboard, which included three other SEALs and five U.S. Army aircrew members.

The incident occurred during Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led military campaign in Afghanistan that began in October 2001. In 2010, U.S. troop levels in Afghanistan were at their peak following a surge ordered by President Barack Obama. Zabul province was a known area of Taliban activity and insurgent strongholds.

Lieutenant Looney was buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Section 60, a site reserved for service members killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. His death was reported by major news outlets, including The Washington Post, which noted his background as a standout lacrosse player at the Naval Academy.

His legacy is noted in the naming of the 'Looney Hall' gymnasium at the Naval Academy Preparatory School. He is also remembered alongside his two brothers who also served as Navy SEALs, and his story has been cited in discussions of military service and sacrifice.

Brendan Looney 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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