Santa Barbara, CA -- One of the 30 service members killed when their helicopter was shot down in Afghanistan is a Santa Barbara native. 44-year-old Master Chief Petty Officer Louis Langlais of Santa Barbara was a Navy SEAL. He was among the 30 Americans killed in the Wardak province of Afghanistan Saturday when their Chinook helicopter crashed. Langlais was one of four who were from California, supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Langlais served for 25 years.

He graduated from Santa Barbara High School in 1986 and joined the Navy five months later. Langlais was a member of SEAL Team Six, most recently stationed in Virginia Beach, Virgina. He served with various SEAL units for 21 years. Langlais was a highly decorated serviceman, awarded more than 30 medals throughout his career, including the Bronze Star with valor and the Joint Service Commendation medal with valor. He is survived by his wife and two young boys.