Navy Ends Accountability Actions for Officers in SEAL Recruit’s Death
The U.S. Navy has halted its disciplinary proceedings against two officers linked to the death of Navy SEAL recruit Kyle Mullen in 2022, marking the end of a prolonged investigation that sought to address issues within the SEAL training program. Vice Adm. Rick Cheeseman, overseeing Navy personnel, decided to discontinue the boards of inquiry for Capt. Brad Geary, the SEAL training program leader, and Cmdr. Erik Ramey, the chief medical officer at the time of the incident, as indicated in documentation shared with Military.com.
The Navy initially planned to hold four officers accountable for Mullen’s tragic death, aiming to rectify cultural problems highlighted by a critical investigation. However, with the cessation of these inquiries, no significant disciplinary measures will be taken against anyone involved more than two years after the incident.
A Navy spokesperson explained that administrative actions were pursued following investigations into the management of BUD/s Class 352 and the circumstances surrounding Mullen’s death. The spokesperson noted that “the process for determining those actions has concluded.”
Both Geary and Ramey were among four sailors scrutinized after Mullen’s death during “Hell Week” in SEAL training. An external investigation, separate from the SEAL community, uncovered significant cultural issues at BUD/s, including unchecked staff behavior and candidates resorting to deception and drug use to pass.
The investigation particularly focused on Geary’s leadership, noting he was aware of rising dropout rates in the program. The Navy initially sought to hold Geary, Ramey, and two others accountable through Admiral’s Mast proceedings. However, Geary and Ramey refused to participate, citing concerns over the fairness of the process, which lacks many legal protections afforded in formal trials.
Instead, the two officers were set to face boards of inquiry, quasi-criminal proceedings with potential for severe consequences. During this period, Geary publicly questioned the validity of the initial investigation, suggesting performance-enhancing drugs might have contributed to Mullen’s death. He also garnered support from several Republican lawmakers, who urged Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to reassess the proceedings.
In a letter shared with Military.com, Geary and his lawyer claimed a “guilty verdict has been predetermined,” motivating their refusal of the nonjudicial punishment process. The lawmakers also pointed out “serious procedural deficiencies” and urged the postponement of the inquiries until a new administration could evaluate them.
The Navy’s decision to drop the boards of inquiry follows internal reviews by Cheeseman, who concluded that Geary and Ramey “are no longer required to show cause for retention.” Both officers are now expected to retire from the Navy, as indicated by correspondence from lawmakers.
Regina Mullen, the mother of the deceased recruit, previously expressed that while she didn’t wish for Geary to be jailed, a demotion and forced retirement would suffice. Military.com attempted to reach her for comment on the recent developments but did not receive a response before publication.
