Michaud, Seth Robert

Seth Robert Michaud was a 27-year-old captain in the United States Marine Corps. A native of Hudson, Massachusetts, he served as a pilot with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 461 (HMH-461), part of Marine Aircraft Group 26, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, based at Marine Corps Air Station New River in Jacksonville, North Carolina. His unit operated the CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter.

Michaud died on June 22, 2003, in a training accident at the Godoria Range, a live-fire training area used by forces stationed at Camp Lemonier in Djibouti. According to Marine Corps statements, his CH-53E helicopter crashed during a night training mission. He was the only fatality in the incident; four other crew members survived with injuries.

Michaud's death occurred during Operation Enduring Freedom – Horn of Africa (OEF-HOA), a component of the broader U.S.-led Operation Enduring Freedom. The mission, which began in October 2001, included counter-terrorism operations and regional security training across multiple theaters, including Afghanistan, the Philippines, and the Horn of Africa. Camp Lemonier served as the primary U.S. expeditionary base for operations in the region.

The Marine Corps announced the crash the following day. Michaud's body was returned to the United States. A memorial service was held for him in Jacksonville, North Carolina, where he was remembered by his squadron.

Captain Michaud's name is inscribed on the Massachusetts Fallen Heroes Memorial in Boston's Seaport District. He is also listed on the online memorial maintained by the Marine Corps University.

Captain Michaud 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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