I’ve stayed quiet as the news developed, hoping the early reports from my Yard sources were off, but they were sadly not, as later updates confirmed. I will leave it to official sources to report details.
For parents wondering how this is handled, the military, sadly, is very good at this. A Casualty Assistance Calls Officer will be assigned to the PNOK in the hometown, as well as a CACO at USNA, who will drop all other duties to liaison with the family, along with an assigned chaplain. There will be a beautifully done memorial service for the Brigade and family at the Chapel. The mid might go home, with a uniformed escort, or as some do, stay at USNA, if the family desires. The Chaplains will be everywhere, offering grief counseling and support. There will be an autopsy to determine official cause of death; there will be a JAGMAN investigation conducted to document the circumstances and determine any contributing factors.
If you have never seen the movie “Taking Chance,” with Kevin Bacon, I recommend it. The mid will be treated with every respect, and the family cared for, including the remaining mid sibs.
And I am sure the USNA Glee Club might be singing Eternal Father at the service. This is one of my favorites, the combined Glee Club in a Pearl Harbor tribute.