Search Called Off for Missing USS Normandy Sailor; Christopher W. Clavin Presumed Dead

June 9, 2017 9:55 PM
FC 2nd Class Christopher W. Clavin. Photo via US Fleet Forces

The Navy has called off the search for the sailor who fell overboard on Tuesday off the coast of North Carolina. As of Friday evening, Fire Controlman 2nd Class Christopher W. Clavin is presumed lost at sea, according to a statement from U.S. Fleet Forces Command.

“After an exhaustive search, Navy and Coast Guard assets ended their efforts just after sunset June 9 for a sailor assigned to guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG-60),” read the 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) searched for Clavin for 76 hours and covered 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 in a statement. “We are not alone in our grief. Our hearts and thoughts are also with Chris’s mother, sister and his entire family.”

Crew on the cruiser saw Clavin go in the water on Tuesday afternoon while Normandy was on a training mission about 80 miles off the coast of North Carolina.

“I’m proud of the determined efforts of the Navy and U.S. Coast Guard search teams,” said Adm. Phil Davidson, commander, U.S. Fleet Forces. “Our thoughts are with our lost shipmate, his family, and the officers and crew of USS Normandy.”

The crew is planning a memorial service. An investigation into the presumed death has begun, according to Fleet Forces.

USS Normandy (CG-60) in 2015, US Navy Photo

The following is the complete statement from U.S. Fleet Forces.

Search Ends for USS Normandy Sailor

NORFOLK, Va. – After an exhaustive search, Navy and Coast Guard assets ended their efforts just after sunset June 9 for a Sailor assigned to guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60).

Fire Controlman 2nd Class Christopher W. Clavin went overboard June 6 at about 3 p.m. while Normandy was conducting training 80 miles off the coast of Cherry Point, North Carolina.

“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.”

Personnel observed Petty Officer Clavin fall into the water Tuesday, resulting in an immediate man overboard call and a massive 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) and USS Mason (DDG 87). Additional Navy and Coast Guard aircraft also assisted.

The Navy and Coast Guard team spent over 76 hours in a comprehensive search that covered roughly 6,300 square miles.

“I’m proud of the determined efforts of the Navy and U.S. Coast Guard search teams,” said Adm. Phil Davidson, commander, U.S. Fleet Forces. “Our thoughts are with our lost shipmate, his family, and the officers and crew of USS Normandy.”

The Normandy crew plans on conducting a memorial service for their lost shipmate.

The family is requesting privacy at this time.

An investigation is currently underway.

 

Sam LaGrone

Sam LaGrone

Sam LaGrone is the editor of USNI News. He has covered legislation, acquisition and operations for the Sea Services since 2009 and spent time underway with the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and the Canadian Navy.
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