The Department of Defense announced today the death of two sailors and one coast guardsman who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died April 24 in the Northern Persian Gulf as a result of a waterborne attack. They were assigned to the USS Firebolt, forward deployed to Manama, Bahrain

Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Michael J. Pernaselli, 27, of Monroe, N.Y

Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Christopher E. Watts, 28, of Knoxville, Tenn

Coast Guard Petty Officer 3rd Class Nathan B. Bruckenthal, 24, of Smithtown, N.Y. Bruckenthal was assigned to Tactical Law Enforcement Team South Detachment 403.

For further information on the U.S. Navy, please contact COMUSNAVCENT Public Affairs at 011-973-17-85-4027 or via e-mail to pao@cusnc.navy.mil. For more information about the U. S. Coast Guard please contact Coast Guard Lt. Buddy Dye at the Coast Guard Atlantic Area Public Affairs Office at (757) 398-6272.