Investigation of Eglin Airman’s death released

Major Garrett Knowlan, 32, of Shalimar was killed due to a series of events that led to a loss of situational awareness, according to the investigation news release.

Knowlan was killed Oct. 11 while participating in Air Force Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE) training at Naval Air Station Pensacola.

The ground accident investigation board determined Knowlan was struck and killed by a government-contracted boat while participating in a one-man life raft training exercise according to a Headquarters, Air Education and Training Command news release.

The 41-foot MonArk tow boat was operated by a government contractor with Metson Marine Service, Inc. The boat operator struck Knowlan after he landed in the water as part of the training.

“A series of events related to multiple students being in the water contributed to a loss of situational awareness by the crew, which contributed to the accident,” stated the release.

Col. Rhea E. Dobson, vice commandant of Air Command Staff College at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., was president of the ground accident board.  

Knowlan was a 2002 graduate of the Air Force Academy and a 2010 graduate of the Air Force Test Pilot School. He was the executive officer for the commander of the 96^th Test Wing at Eglin Air Force Base at the time of his death.

He is survived by his wife and two young children.