The Navy and Coast Guard suspended the search Wednesday night for a sailor missing from the guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Erie in the eastern Pacific Ocean.
The sailor, whose name was not released, failed to report for duty on Sunday morning and was not found on the ship.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the sailor’s family during this difficult time,” said Capt. Christine O’Connell, commanding officer of the Lake Erie. “Losing a shipmate is devastating and felt by our entire crew. We will continue to support the family in any way we can.”
Over a four-day period, seven Navy ships along with numerous Navy and Coast Guard aircraft and helicopters searched more than 16,550 square nautical miles of open water.
The ship was conducting routine training operations with John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group.
The incident remains under investigation.