The body of a Navy explosives expert killed in northern Iraq was returned to San Diego Friday.
Chief Petty Officer Jason Finan, 34, suffered fatal wounds from the Oct. 20 blast of an improvised explosive device, according to the Navy. The Anaheim native was assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 3 at Naval Base Coronado.
Finan's body arrived at Lindbergh Field and was taken by a procession of vehicles to a funeral home in Hillcrest.
"The entire Navy Expeditionary Combat Command family offers our deepest condolences and sympathies to the family and loved ones of the sailor we lost," said Rear Adm. Brian Brakke, commander, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command/NECC Pacific.
Finan's death is the fourth since U.S. forces began helping the Iraqi Army fight ISIS. The toll includes Marine Staff Sgt. Louis Cardin of Temecula, who died in March; Coronado-based Navy SEAL Charlie Keating IV, a petty officer first class killed in May; and Army Delta Force Master Sgt. Josh Wheeler, who died last year in a raid that freed around 70 hostages.
"Even though we're in a huge veteran community and military community, I don't think they get as much props as they deserve," Melissa Cruz told NBC San Diego. "I think it is great that the local community is highlighting everything he put into his service."
A private funeral service for Finan is scheduled for 11 a.m. Tuesday at Sacred Heart Church in Coronado. A procession will follow to Miramar National Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest, The Coronado Times reported.
