The U.S. Navy announced on Thursday that it suspended the search for a USS George Washington sailor who went missing while the ship was sailing north of Australia in the Timor Sea.
In a Thursday press release, the USS George Washington Public Affairs confirmed that the U.S. Navy suspended its active search for the missing USS George Washington sailor at 12:40 p.m. on Wednesday. The press release noted that the Navy sailor was reported missing on Monday while the aircraft carrier was navigating through the Timor Sea.
In a second press release, the USS George Washington Public Affairs confirmed that the missing sailor had been identified as Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Airman Jose Antonio Rivera Lynch IV. The press release explained that the U.S. Navy, the Australian Defence, and the Australian Border Forces conducted search and rescue operations for over 45 hours and covered approximately 2,200 square miles in the Timor Sea.
“Our deepest sympathies go out to the family and friends of our shipmate, Airman Rivera Lynch,” Capt. Tim Waits, the commanding officer of the USS George Washington, said. “I am sincerely grateful for the support and coordination from all units who assisted in the search effort, including our partners from the Australian Defence Force and Border Force.”
According to the USS George Washington Public Affairs, the search for Rivera Lynch involved the efforts of the U.S. Navy Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 12, the Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 77, the Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 51, the USS Shoup, the USS Robert Smalls, fixed wing aircraft attached to Carrier Air Wing 5, two P-8 Poseidon aircraft and a patrol boat from the Australian Defence Force, an Australian Border Force Dash-8 aircraft, and the Australian Defence Vessel Cape Otway.
A picture of Rivera Lynch was shared Thursday on X, formerly Twitter.
According to the USS George Washington Public Affairs, Rivera Lynch enlisted in the U.S. Navy in June of 2024 before reporting to the USS George Washington in January of 2025.
“Our thoughts and prayers remain with Airman Rivera Lynch’s family, friends, and shipmates during this incredibly difficult time,” Rear Adm. Eric Anduze, the commander of the Carrier Strike Group 5, said in Thursday’s press release. “The courage and dedication shown by all personnel involved in this operation exemplifies the professionalism and commitment that defines our Navy.”
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Author: Timothy Frudd
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