4/6/2007
Explosive Ordnance Disposal First Class (EWS/SW) Joseph Adam McSween was born August 11, 1980, in Montgomery, Alabama, to his parents Robert and Florence McSween. He graduated from Georgia Christian High School in 1998 and earned his Associates of Arts degree from York College, where he was actively recruited and received a track scholarship. He enlisted in the United States Navy on July 2, 2001.
Following graduation from Navy Recruit Training Center, Great Lakes, Illinois, Adam completed Naval Store’s Keeper “A” School in Meridian, Mississippi, then served in USS Mount Vernon (LSD-39) where he earned his Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist qualification. In September 2003, he reported to Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center, Panama City, Florida to begin his training as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Diver. Upon graduating Dive School, he reported to Naval School Explosive Ordnance Disposal where he graduated in January 2005 as a Basic Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician. He accepted orders to EOD Mobile Unit ELEVEN at Whidbey Island, Washington.
EOD1 McSween reported on board EOD Mobile Unit Eleven, March 18, 2005 and was operationally assigned to EODMU 11 Detachment ONE. His dedication to the Profession of Arms was readily apparent within a very short time, rapidly completing difficult qualifications as a Naval Parachutist, Scuba Diving Supervisor and Senior Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician. He was a quick learner with keen instincts and a great sense of priority demonstrated through his meticulous management of the detachment’s equipment and classified publications. During his first deployment to Iraq, he was selected to partner with the EIGHTH Division Iraqi Bomb Disposal Company. When not deployed or attending training, he volunteered off-duty hours to the Red Cross of America and was active within his local church. He volunteered for a second tour of duty in Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Explosive Ordnance Disposal First Class (EWS/SW) Joseph Adam McSween was killed in action on the 6th day of April, 2007 in the city of Hawija, Iraq during combat operations while supporting Operation IRAQI FREEDOM from Combat Operating Base McHenry in Kirkuk Province. Petty Officer McSween was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device for Valor and Purple Heart
Joseph Adam McSween is survived by his wife Erin, their two daughters Lilly and Gwyneth, his parents Robert and Florence, brothers Kyle and Robert, and his sister Angela.