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

Aviation Boatswain Mate Third Class Petty officer Daniel R. Verbeke, 25, of Exton, Penn., died July 14 in Paoli, Penn. of complications from injuries he suffered in a flight deck accident in December 2005 while serving aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt, CVN-71.

For further information related to this release the media can contact Navy public affairs office at (703) 697-5342.