Search Called off for Missing US Navy Sailor
Sailors aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG 87) keep lookout while searching for a sailor missing overboard from the cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60). (U.S. Navy photo by Jef Van Hoof)
An MH-60S Sea Hawk from the Nightdippers of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 5 takes off of the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) to conduct search and rescue operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Matt Herbst)
The search for a U.S. Navy sailor missing from guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60) has been called off after three days of exhaustive searching.
U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard assets ended their search efforts just after sunset June 9 for Fire Controlman 2nd Class Christopher W. Clavin, who went overboard June 6 at about 3 p.m. while Normandy was conducting training 80 miles off the coast of Cherry Point, N.C.
Personnel observed Petty Officer Clavin fall into the water, resulting in an immediate man overboard call and a search and rescue response involving USS Normandy, aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), with four embarked helicopters, U.S. Coast Guard medium endurance cutter USCGC Forward (WMEC 911), as well as guided missile destroyers USS Bainbridge (DDG 96), USS The Sullivans (DDG 68), USS Mason (DDG 87) and additional Navy and Coast Guard aircraft.
The team spent more than 76 hours in a comprehensive search that covered roughly 6,300 square miles.
"We are deeply saddened by the loss of our shipmate, Petty Officer Chris Clavin. He was an important part of the team and a friend to so many on board," said Capt. Derek Trinque, commanding officer of USS Normandy. "We are not alone in our grief. Our hearts and thoughts are also with Chris's mother, sister and his entire family."
The Normandy crew plans on conducting a memorial service for their lost shipmate.
An investigation is currently underway.
