The Navy has identified the sailor who fell overboard from the USS Normandy (CG-60) on Tuesday as Fire Controlman 2nd Class Christopher W. Clavin, according to a Thursday statement from U.S. Fleet Forces Command.
The identification comes as Navy and Coast Guard assets continue to search for the missing sailor who went overboard about 80 miles off of the North Carolina coast in Tuesday afternoon, according to the statement.
“Every Navy and Coast Guard member participating in this operation is dedicated to finding our lost shipmate. Our thoughts are with Petty Officer Clavin and his family during this difficult time,” said Adm. Phil Davidson, commander, U.S. Fleet Forces in a statement.
Along with Normandy, carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72), U.S. Coast Guard medium endurance cutter USCGC Forward (WMEC-911), destroyers USS Bainbridge (DDG-96), USS The Sullivans (DDG-68) and USS Mason (DDG-87) are searching for the missing sailor.
“As of today, the Navy and Coast Guard team have spent 48 hours in a systematic and comprehensive search that has covered roughly 2,500 square miles,” Fleet Forces said.
According to Fleet Forces, Clavin was seen by personnel on the cruiser fall into the water, “resulting in an immediate man overboard call and a massive search and rescue effort.”
Clavin, originally from Rhode Island, enlisted in the service in July of 2012 and had been stationed on Normandy since November of 2013.
The following is the complete June 8, 2017 statement from U.S. Fleet Forces.
Search Continues for USS Normandy Sailor
NORFOLK, Va. – Navy and Coast Guard assets are continuing their search for Fire Controlman 2nd Class Christopher W. Clavin who went overboard from the guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60) June 6 at about 3 p.m. while the ship was underway conducting training near Cherry Point, North Carolina.
Personnel observed Petty Officer Clavin fall into the water 80 miles off the coast Tuesday, resulting in an immediate man overboard call and a massive search and rescue effort involving 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) and USS Mason (DDG 87). Additional Navy and Coast Guard aircraft have also been assisting in the search.
“Every Navy and Coast Guard member participating in this operation is dedicated to finding our lost shipmate. Our thoughts are with Petty Officer Clavin and his family during this difficult time,” said Adm. Phil Davidson, commander, U.S. Fleet Forces.
As of today, the Navy and Coast Guard team have spent 48 hours in a systematic and comprehensive search that has covered roughly 2,500 square miles.
Search efforts are continuing and updates will be provided when available.
