Former Submariner who Branched Out (SW/AW/SS) is Active Duty Fatality

Machinist’s Mate 3rd Class (SW/AW/SS) Micah Aaron Hill of Nebraska died April 19th in a non-combat related incident. The Navy is investigating the circumstances of PO3 Hill's death and would not comment on where aboard the ship he was found or who found him.

Hill's was the second non-combat related fatality on USS Enterprise in nearly a month. On March 22, Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class (AW) Vincent Filpi of Fort Walton Beach, Fla. died in a non-combat incident. Filipi had been the leading petty officer for the carrier’s safety department.

After submarine school, Hill had served on USS West Virginia (SSBN-736) and then USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69). Hill, 27, reported to USS Enterprise (CVN-65) in the fall of 2009. Petty Officer Hill was serving in the Arabian Gulf aboard Enterprise in support of Operation New Dawn.

A succession of 3 warfare designations is rather unusual for any sailor, much less someone who enlisted under 7 years ago. If a nuc MM3, he obviously did not remain one, otherwise why the AW? We not only lost another brave one, we lost a highly qualified one. Condolences to all of those who knew or served with him.

Submarines are always silent and strange.