DOD Identifies Navy Casualty
April 08, 2011

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a sailor who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Seaman Benjamin D. Rast, 23, of Niles, Mich., died April 6 while conducting a dismounted patrol northeast of Patrol Base Alcatraz, Helmand province, Afghanistan. Rast was assigned as a hospitalman to the 1st Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division. Rast was stationed at Naval Medical Center, Expeditionary Medical Force Detachment, San Diego, Calif.

The incident is under investigation.

For further information related to this release, contact the Navy Medicine West / Naval Medical Center San Diego public affairs office at 619-719-2248.