Mark Owen

Mark Owen is a former United States Navy SEAL who served his country for 14 years, participating in over 13 deployments in support of combat operations and the Global War on Terror (GWOT). Owen received his bachelor’s degree in 1998, and upon graduating from college, he enlisted in the Navy to pursue his dream of serving his country as a Navy SEAL. He successfully graduated as BUDS class 226 “Honor-man” and was subsequently stationed at SEAL Team Five. During his first deployment as a Navy SEAL, the events of 9/11 unfolded, and Owen was among some of the first to be deployed in support of the GWOT.

In 2004, Owen completed selection and training to enter the ranks of the Naval Special Warfare Development Group. His extensive service included several significant operations, such as the Maersk Alabama hijacking rescue operation in 2009 and Operation Neptune Spear in 2011. The latter operation culminated with Bissonnette being present on the third floor of Osama bin Laden's compound in Abbottabad when the terrorist leader was killed. Owen continued to volunteer and serve at the forefront throughout his career till his eventual departure from service in 2012.

Over the course of his military career, Owen was recognized with more than 30 medals and awards, including the Silver Star, 5 Bronze Stars with “V,” Purple Heart, Joint Commendation with “V,” Navy Commendation with “V,” Presidential Unit Citation and numerous other awards. His unique experiences and insights would later be channeled into his work as an author, resulting in two New York Times Bestselling books titled; “No Easy Day” and “No Hero.”

Moving on from his active military service, Owen has continued to contribute to the community, serving on the Advisory Board for the GWOT Memorial Foundation and advocating for transitioning veterans. His advocacy extends to helping raise money and awareness for multiple veteran-related charities, and he is vocal about the challenges he and other veterans have faced while transitioning out of military service and into the civilian world. Owen has also had a significant impact in the television industry, serving as an executive producer on the CBS hit show "SEAL Team,” now streaming on Paramount Plus.