Ty Woods was born on January 15, 1971, in Portland, Oregon. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on April 3, 1990, and completed basic training at NTC San Diego, California, in June 1990. Woods next attended Naval Hospital Corpsman School at NTC San Diego from June to October 1990, followed by service at Naval Hospital San Diego from October 1990 to February 1991. He attended Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training at NAB Coronado, California, from February to October 1991, and then completed additional Special Operations Combat Medic training and Basic Airborne training before serving with SEAL Team THREE at NAB Coronado from June 1992 to December 1996. After completing additional medical and free fall training, Petty Officer Woods served with SEAL Team FIVE at NAB Coronado from June 1997 to January 2000, and then served as a member of the U.S. Navy Parachute Team, the Leap Frogs, from January 2000 to November 2001. His next assignment was as medical and maritime leading chief petty officer for SEAL Qualification Training at the Naval Special Warfare Center at NAB Coronado from November 2001 to November 2004, followed by service with SEAL Team ONE at NAB Coronado from November 2004 to June 2006. During this time he deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2005 and 2006. SCPO Woods served with the Basic Training Command from June 2006 to October 2008, and then with the Naval Special Warfare Center at NAB Coronado from October 2008 until his retirement from the Navy on May 1, 2010. After leaving the Navy he worked as a Civilian Contractor to the United States Government, and was killed during the terrorist attack in Benghazi, Libya, when he took part in a quick reaction force that was trying to save the U.S. Ambassador and his team on September 12, 2012. Ty Woods was buried at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego, California.

His Bronze Star Medal w/Valor Citation reads:

For heroic achievement in connection with combat operations against the enemy as FOXTROT Platoon Leading Chief Petty Officer deployed with Naval Special Warfare Task Unit-HABBANIYAH in direct support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM from 7 October 2005 to 22 April 2006. Chief Petty Officer Woods displayed unparalleled leadership under constant exposure to enemy mortar, rocket, sniper, and improvised explosive device attacks during 180 days in the volatile Al Anbar province of Western Iraq. Inserting via boats, helicopters, vehicles, and extended foot patrols, he led 12 direct action raids and 10 reconnaissance missions leading to the capture of 34 enemy insurgents. Additionally, he led 16 SEALs and 8 Iraqi Scouts on a 50-hour, 800-mile mounted patrol that threaded through enemy territory and culminated in the assault on four targets and the capture of a high value Al-Qaeda facilitator. Coming under direct enemy fire as the patrol leader for a 14-man combined overwatch, he immediately maneuvered to a firing position and directed suppressing return fire. His decisive actions effectively suppressed the attack and resulted in no friendly casualties. By his extraordinary guidance, zealous initiative, and total dedication to duty, Chief Petty Officer Woods reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.