UPDATED: Search Ends for Missing USS Theodore Roosevelt Sailor

December 12, 2020 10:23 PM - Updated: December 13, 2020 9:27 PM
Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Apprentice Ethan Garrett Goolsby. viation Ordnanceman Airman Apprentice Ethan Garrett Goolsby Family Photo

The Navy and Coast Guard have ended the search for a sailor believed to have gone overboard from aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) on Thursday, U.S. 3rd Fleet announced.

“The search ended at sunset Saturday after Theodore Roosevelt, USS Bunker Hill (CG-52), USS Russell (DDG-59), USS Howard (DDG-83), USS Charleston (LCS-18), USS Portland (LPD 27) the U.S. Coast Guard and both fixed and rotary wing air assets searched more than 607 square nautical miles for more than 55 hours,” a Saturday evening statement reads.

Family members identified the missing sailor as Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Apprentice Ethan Goolsby, 20, from San Antonio, Texas.

Goolsby joined the Navy last year and was preparing for his first deployment aboard the carrier, family members told USNI News.

“Goolsby reported to Theodore Roosevelt in July following initial training as an aviation ordnanceman in Pensacola, Fla., and was promoted to his current rank Sept. 16. He reported to Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill., Nov. 18, 2019,” the Navy said in a statement.

“The loss of our sailor is felt deeply by all on board,” Capt. Eric Anduze, commanding officer of Theodore Roosevelt, said in the statement. “The entire Theodore Roosevelt team sends our deepest condolences to the family of our missing shipmate.”

The carrier and its air wing were preparing for their second deployment this year after a deployment that was interrupted earlier this year with a COVID-19 outbreak that infected more than 1,200 of the 4,800 sailors assigned to the carrier and killed one, Aviation Ordnanceman Chief Petty Officer Charles Robert Thacker Jr.

TR and its strike group and air wing departed San Diego on Monday for a sustainment exercise that would be followed by its second deployment of 2020.

The following is the complete Dec. 12, 2020 statement from 3rd Fleet.

EASTERN PACIFIC (Dec. 12, 2020) The U.S. Navy ended search and rescue efforts for a missing sailor assigned to USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) and has changed his status to deceased.

The search ended at sunset Saturday after Theodore Roosevelt, USS Bunker Hill (CG 52), USS Russell (DDG 59), USS Howard (DDG 83), USS Charleston (LCS 18), USS Portland (LPD 27) the U.S. Coast Guard and both fixed and rotary wing air assets searched more than 607 square nautical miles for more than 55 hours.

The sailor’s family was notified prior to ending the search efforts.

“The loss of our sailor is felt deeply by all on board,” said Capt. Eric Anduze, commanding officer of Theodore Roosevelt. “The entire Theodore Roosevelt team sends our deepest condolences to the family of our missing shipmate.”

Rear Admiral Doug Verissimo, commander, Carrier Strike Group Nine, said, “The Carrier Strike Group Nine team sends our thoughts and prayers to the family and loved ones of our missing shipmate. I offer my thanks to all the sailors and Coast Guardsmen who were involved in the search.”

The incident remains under investigation.

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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