Navy SEALs are expected to maintain a tight cloak of secrecy about different operations carried out around the world. However the killing of Al Qaeda founder Osama Bin Laden in a night raid, deep in Pakistan is creating a lot of unwanted media hype. The public debate on who fired the lethal shot which killed Osama Bin Laden is being fed by a member of the crack team Robert O’Neill, a former SEAL personal.

Robert O’Neill has been identified in several news accounts as the “shooter” who fired the fatal shot at Bin Laden at close range. However, Robert O’Neill now backs off claim that he was Osama Bin Laden’s killer. Robert O’Neill say’s that it is not important who fired the first shot. Rather it was team effort which finally managed to bring to justice the dreaded head of Al Qaeda.

Mr. O’Neill said in an audio interview, “The most important thing that I’ve learned in the last two years is to me it doesn’t matter anymore if I am ‘The Shooter.’ The team got him.”

Navy SEALS are almost invisible and shun any type of media exposure as they conduct their shadowy forays around the world. They are not supposed to talk about their exploits for publicity or monetary considerations.

O’Neil’s action forced the man who runs the United States Naval Special Warfare Command to remind all present and former seals of the organization’s dictum- “I do not advertise the nature of my work, nor seek recognition for my actions.”

Rear Adm. Brian Losey and Force Master Chief Michael Magaraci wrote, “Violators of our Ethos are neither teammates in good standing, nor Teammates who represent Naval Special Warfare. We do not abide willful or selfish disregard for our core values in return for public notoriety and financial gain, which only diminishes otherwise honorable service, courage and sacrifice.”