U.S. Soldier Killed During Drone Disposal Operations

Northern Iraq The community is mourning a devastating loss following the death of a U.S. Army soldier killed in action during the controlled detonation of UXO.

The Department of Defense has identified the fallen soldier as 30-year-old Sgt. Michael Emmanuel Swinton of Fayetteville, North Carolina.

Sgt. Swinton was supporting overseas contingency operations at Erbil Airbase, Iraq when the fatal incident occurred. According to CENTCOM, forces were conducting a controlled detonation on the unexploded remnants of a downed Iranian one-way attack drone. Tragically, the operation resulted in Sgt. Swinton's death and left a second service member with minor injuries.

Enlisting in 2017 as an air defense early warning system operator, Sgt. Swinton was assigned to the Army's air and missile defense command at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. His leadership and family remembered him as a dedicated professional, a courageous soldier, and a loving husband.

Brig. Gen. John L. Dawber stated, "Sgt. Swinton was an experienced noncommissioned officer who took great pride in his work and the people around him. He answered the call to duty with courage, honor, and selfless dedication."