Coronado Flags at Half Staff for Local Navy Officer Killed in Iraq

CORONADO, CA — The state of California mourns the loss of Anaheim resident, U.S. Navy Officer Jason Finan.

On Monday, California Gov. Jerry Brown ordered flags to be set at at half-staff over the state capitol in honor of the Navy Chief Petty Officer. Finan was a Coronado-based explosives ordinance disposal technician from Anaheim, killed last week in Iraq.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to support Finan's family at https://www.gofundme.com/finan-family-2vjbwtw. As of Monday mid-day, the effort has raised over $25,000.

The governor and first lady Anne Gust Brown issued a statement extending condolences to the family of the 34-year-old Navy sailor who enlisted in August 2004. He is survived by a wife and 7-year-old son.

Finan died Thursday, Oct. 20 from wounds caused by a blast of an improvised explosive device while supporting operations to clear Islamic State forces from the northern Iraqi city of Mosul, according to the U.S. Department of the Navy. Around 100 U.S. personnel are backing the Iraqi army's offensive.

The publication Stars & Stripes reported that Finan spotted a roadside bomb and was directing a group of Navy SEALS around the device when his own vehicle hit another IED and exploded. Finan and the SEAL team were moving toward a more secure position when Islamic State fighters advanced.

More information on Chief Petty Officer Finan's funeral will be posted as it is released.

Image courtesy of GoFundMe.