Former Navy SEAL Senior Chief Rob OâNeill has come forward as the commando who zapped Osama bin Laden in 2011. (Photo: Daily Mail)
A veteran of 16 years in the Navy and over 400 combat missions, the special warfare operator who maintains he took out Osama bin Laden has revealed his identity.
What is known is that Senior Chief Rob OâNeill, 36, is a former member the United States Naval Special Warfare Development Group (NSWDG), commonly referred to by its old designation SEAL Team Six. Currently a speaker for Leading Authorities, a Washington D.C. based lecture bureau who classifies OâNeill as, âthe man on the ground we have never heard of but know exists.â
According to the Daily Mail, OâNeill is now taking credit for dispatching Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden with three shots to the head during the 2011 joint military/CIA raid on the terroristâs compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan.
Reportedly, the commando is now speaking out due a lack of healthcare and retirement after leaving the service.
Asked if he is worried about terrorists coming after his family for retribution, Robâs father, Tom OâNeill, told media, âPeople are asking if we are worried that ISIS will come and get us because Rob is going public. I say Iâll paint a big target on my front door and say come and get us. My ex-wife gave birth to a man. We shouldnât be cowering in fear.â
According to reports, OâNeill was also involved in the Maersk Alabama rescue of Captain Phillips as well as the recovery of Marcus âLone Survivorâ Luttrell.
However, OâNeill could now be facing a battle with the service he fought for.
Earlier this week leaders of the U.S. Navy Special Warfare Command, the parent organization for the SEALs, issued a scathing open letter telling current and former frogmen to avoid the spotlight while reminding them of non-disclosure agreements not to divulge sensitive information.
âAt Naval Special Warfareâs core is the SEAL ethos. A critical tenant of our ethos is âI do not advertise the nature of my work, nor seek recognition for my actions,â wrote Rear Adm. Brian Losey, and Force Master Chief Michael Magaraci. âOur ethos is a lifelong commitment and obligation, both in and out of the service. Violators of our ethos are neither teammates in good standing, nor teammates who represent Naval Special Warfare.â