He Wore an Unearned Navy SEAL Trident and Now He’s Running For Congress

by Terresa Monroe-Hamilton | October 24, 2014 1:56 pm

When does a dishonest wearing of a Navy SEAL trident 20 years ago matter? When you are running for office and you are asking the voters of a military community to put their faith and trust in you. James Kimber, a Democratic Congressional candidate who is running against Duncan Hunter for California’s 50th District, wore a US Navy SEAL trident for more than a year back in 1990 without ever completing the training for the elite force. He stopped when confronted by Navy SEALs on the transgression — Kimber served 20 years in the Navy before retiring, but this act almost cost him his career[1].

The Navy SEAL Trident is a highly recognizable and coveted piece of military insignia that includes an eagle holding a Navy anchor, a trident and a flintlock-style pistol. It is issued only to officers and enlisted service members who complete the Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training, a six-month course held at the Naval Special Warfare Training Center in Coronado, Calif. (Photo credit: Shutterstock)

From The Blaze[2]:

The newspaper reported that Kimber started SEAL training at the Naval Special Warfare Training Center in Coronado, California, in 1990, but hurt his back during an obstacle course exercise. According to the Union-Tribune, “He remained at the base for several months, and was eventually assigned to the guided-missile frigate Reid.”

A source familiar with the case told TheBlaze Kimber didn’t take the trident off until he was “called out” by SEALs who questioned his timeline.

“The SEALs showed up to the ship and started questioning his story and brought it up to the captain,” he said.

Kimber, who now works as a physician’s assistant, acknowledged to the Union-Tribune that the ship’s captain brought him before the crew and reprimanded him.

“I know this is a big thing and I am very sorry,” said Kimber, who was 32 at the time. “I knew what I was doing, and it was a terrible mistake that I hope doesn’t negate everything else I have done in my life and what I am doing now.”

Kimber knew when he decided to run, that this issue was likely to come up and told himself he would answer for it as honestly as he could, I’ll give him that. Duncan Hunter was gracious and showed true class over the situation: “He served his country for 20 years and that is worthy of appreciation,” he said. But even so, a member of his re-election committee stated that a question of “stolen valor” cuts deep, especially in a military community. San Diego is home to many SEALs and honor and trust are everything to them. Kimber fails that test.