Training Protections Advance In Bill Honoring Manalapan Seaman

WASHINGTON, DC — More protections for service people in rigorous military training programs - a measure sponsored by U.S. Rep. Chris Smith - is closer to becoming law.

The Kyle Mullen Naval Safety Enhancements measure put forward by Smith was accepted by the Senate as part of the finalized version of the fiscal year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act, which passed the House of Representatives Thursday for a second time by a vote of 350-80, Smith's office said. The Senate will now vote on the authorization act, which is expected soon.

Named for the 24-year-old Navy SEAL candidate from Manalapan who died during "Hell Week” training, Smith’s provision was incorporated into the authorization act as an amendment to the original House-passed bill in July, the office added.

“Inspired by his tenacious mother Regina - a nurse who knows her son’s death could have been prevented if he had received timely medical attention - this legislation will help protect the lives of courageous men and women like Kyle who aspire to serve our great nation in some of its most perilous missions,” said Smith, R-Manchester.

Smith’s provision requires an appraisal of current standards and recommendations for better medical care and oversight of individuals in the Navy engaged in high-stress trainings, like the Navy SEALs, to ensure sailor safety and prevent long-term injury, illness and death, Smith's office said.

“Congress is finally taking much-needed action to ensure proper medical care, aggressive monitoring, and oversight is provided to every Navy SEAL candidate during high-stress training,” said Smith, who has been fighting alongside Regina Mullen to advance the proposed review through Congress.

Regina Mullen praised Smith and his staff.

"It's great. I'm really grateful to him and his whole staff," she said.

And she said Smith has promised to keep her involved to make sure these safeguards are implemented by the Department of Defense.

The legislation "can save lives," she said in July.

Her son Kyle was a star football player who led Manalapan High School to its first-ever championship in 2014, his senior year, and maintained a 4.4 GPA. He also played baseball for the Manalapan Braves. He was recruited by Yale University to captain the football team and later graduated from Monmouth University. After college, he chose to join the Navy and became a candidate for one of the most elite U.S. military units: The Navy SEALs.

His tragic death 10 months ago on Feb. 4 has forced Regina Mullen to become an advocate for improved oversight of how trainees are treated medically in all branches.

She said all levels of enlisted men and women need more protections and better treatment from the military and from the government.

Her advocacy for her younger son - she is also the mother of Kyle's older brother who is now married - has made her a person military parents and servicemembers have reached out to.

Mullen said issues such as PTSD and injuries or death during training can not be ignored by the military. She has spoken to people who have experienced trauma, she said, and she would like to see Congressional hearings convened on the treatment of members of the military, especially treatment of enlisted personnel.

Smith's office said that, according to an autopsy report, Kyle Mullen died from acute pneumonia with cardiomegaly as a contributing factor just hours after completing the Navy’s rigorous “Hell Week” training regime in ocean waters off San Diego, Calif., in February.

An investigation conducted by the military cleared Kyle Mullen of any wrongdoing, determining that his death was “in the line of duty, not due to his own misconduct.”

A larger investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death remains ongoing, Smith's office said.

Regina Mullen is awaiting that final report, but she said she will continue to push for accountability from the Navy for her son's death.