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Three sailors on the carrier USS George Washington died within the space of a week, the Navy said.
In one case, the sailor was found unresponsive on board the ship April 15.
The sailor was treated by the Washington’s medical team on board before being transported to Riverside Regional Medical Center in Newport News, where the sailor died. The incident is under investigation and the command continues to cooperate with Naval Criminal Investigative Service.
A Navy spokesman did not reply when asked about the cause of death. The Navy is withholding the sailor’s name until it can reach next of kin.
The two other deaths happened on April 9 and April 10. They occurred away from the ship, which is nearing the end of its multiyear refueling and overhaul at Newport News Shipbuilding. They are Petty Officer 3rd Class Mikail Rashawn Sharp, who reported to the Washington in October 2020, and Petty Officer 3rd Class Ann Huffman, who has been on the Washington since May 2019.
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Both reported to the ship immediately after basic training and A-school. The Navy said it had no home-of-record information for Sharp. Huffman was from Minnesota.
Chaplains, psychologists, counselors and leadership are engaged with the crew and are available to provide appropriate support and counseling to those grieving the unexpected loss of shipmates, the Naval Air Force Atlantic said.
It said there is no initial indication to suggest there is a correlation between the deaths.
“Our thoughts and condolences are with the family, friends, and shipmates of our Sailors,” it added.
The overhaul and refueling of USS George Washington is 94% complete.
“Our condolences go out to the Navy families and friends, and our shipbuilders, during this time of loss,” said Danny Hernandez, Newport News Shipbuilding spokesman. Declining to comment on the cause of death, he said the shipyard does not discuss the circumstances of any deaths at its facilities unless they are the result of a work accident.
Dave Ress, 757-247-4535, dress@dailypress.com