War's Worst Day Since Attack That Claimed Exeter SEAL

The deaths of thirty Americans -- including 22 Navy SEALS --in a Taliban attack Friday night was the deadliest event for the United States in Afghanistan since a 2005 strike that claimed the life of an Exeter native.

The circumstances of Friday's attack were similar to one that killed 36-year-old Daniel Healy in June 2005.

The Associated Press reported insurgents late Friday night fired a rocket-propelled grenade at a Chinook helicopter that was on its way to help a group of Army Rangers under fire from insurgents. Eight Afghans aboard the helicopter were also killed. The group of Rangers did not board the helicopter and survived, AP reported.

Healy, a Navy SEAL, was in a Chinook on its way to rescue a group of four SEALS when it was shot down by insurgents. One of the SEALS survived.

A memorial for Healy is at the Exeter Recreation Complex on Hampton Road. The town pool is named after him.

One of those killed Friday was a Navy SEAL from Cape Cod, according to the Boston Globe.

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta released this statement about the Americans lost in Friday's attack: "Their courage was exemplary, as was their determination to make this a safer world for their countries and for their fellow citizens. We will stay the course to complete that mission, for which they and all who have served and lost their lives in Afghanistan have made the ultimate sacrifice."