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A Navy SEAL’s Rolex Sub On Operation Neptune Spear (Link In Bio)

Over the past decade, just about every detail of the SEAL raid that brought the man responsible for 9/11 to justice, has been recounted. But one detail we all missed is the Rolex Submariner on the wrist of one of the operators. This detail surprised us here at W.O.E. Why was it worn on this raid? Was it for Escape and Evasion- a potential bartering tool? Was it chosen for its robustness as a mechanical timepiece?

The answer is actually simple–but far more profound. The SEAL wearing the Sub, Will Chesney, believed he was going to die that night in Pakistan. Chesney reasoned that he might as well take his most meaningful watch with him for his final ride. He bluntly told W.O.E. that, “the watch would burn up with me.” (Continue reading link in bio)

It was a late 2000s no-date reference 14060, the last classic Submariner. Chesney acquired the Rolex as a present to himself when he passed screening for Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU) in 2008. During a visit to the Command’s armorer, Chesney laser engraved the caseback with the “Red Man'' insignia of the famed Red Squadron, the same patch on Cairo’s harness.

Please check out Chesney’s book, No Ordinary Dog, a powerful read that explores the genuine emotional bond between a warrior and his military working dog. As Chesney summarizes, “Cairo was my dog. And I was his dad. I don’t use that term euphemistically. The relationship between a handler and a canine SEAL is profound and intimate. It goes well beyond friendship and the usual ties that bind man to dog.” The book also explores both Chesney’s and Cairo’s difficulties transitioning from years of sustained combat.

Thank you for sharing part of your story Will. @willcheeese

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