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

Petty Officer 2nd Class Brian K. Joplin, 32, of Hugo, Okla., was killed Oct. 4, when he fell out of a U.S. Navy MH-53 helicopter during a regularly scheduled training mission in the Central Arabian Gulf. Joplin was assigned to Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron 15, based in Corpus Christi, Texas.

For further information related to this release, contact Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet Public Affairs Office at 011-973-1785-4027 or pao@cusnc.navy.mil.