A sailor assigned to a Japan-based guided-missile destroyer died on Dec. 30 after a shooting incident aboard the warship, USNI News has learned.
Operations Specialist 3rd class Romario Clennon, from Atlanta, Ga., had been hospitalized in Japan following the incident on Dec. 24, according to a statement from the service.
“A sailor from the Arleigh-Burke class guided-missile destroyer USS Ralph Johnson (DDG-114) succumbed to their wounds on Dec. 30 from a self-inflicted gunshot on Dec. 24. Our deepest condolences go out to the family, friends, and colleagues of the [sailors] who are impacted by this tragic loss,” reads a Navy statement to USNI News.
Clennon had initially reported to Navy boot camp at Naval Station Great Lakes, Ill., on Sept. 9, 2021. He arrived to Ralph Johnson on Jan. 4, 2023. He was promoted to E-4 in November, according to his releasable Navy biography.
The incident is now under investigation.
Overall, the Navy saw an uptick in suicides in the latest Pentagon report released in October, up to 20.6 deaths in 2022 from 100,000 to 16.7 in 2021.
Suicide Prevention Resources
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)
Military Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255The Navy Suicide Prevention Handbook is a guide designed to be a reference for policy requirements, program guidance, and educational tools for commands. The handbook is organized to support fundamental command Suicide Prevention Program efforts in Training, Intervention, Response, and Reporting.
The 1 Small ACT Toolkit helps sailors foster a command climate that supports psychological health. The toolkit includes suggestions for assisting sailors in staying mission ready, recognizing warning signs of increased suicide risk in oneself or others, and taking action to promote safety.
