Missing sailor ‘assumed overboard’ USS George Washington identified

TIMOR SEA (WAVY) — The U.S. Navy has identified the sailor who may have gone overboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) as Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Airman Jose Antonio Rivera Lynch IV.

“Our deepest sympathies go out to the family and friends of our shipmate, Airman Rivera Lynch,” said Capt. Tim Waits, commanding officer, USS George Washington, in a statement. “I am sincerely grateful for the support and coordination from all units who assisted in the search effort, including our partners from the Australian Defence Force and Border Force.”

Rivera Lynch enlisted in the Navy in June 2024 and reported to the USS George Washington in January.

“Our thoughts and prayers remain with Airman Rivera Lynch’s family, friends, and shipmates during this incredibly difficult time,” said Rear Adm. Eric Anduze, commander, Carrier Strike Group 5, in a statement. “The courage and dedication shown by all personnel involved in this operation exemplifies the professionalism and commitment that defines our Navy.”

The Navy, Australian Defence Force and Australian Border Force had suspended the search for the sailor Wednesday after more than 45 hours of continuous search and rescue efforts covering about 2,200-square-miles in the Timor Sea.

The search involved U.S. Navy Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 12, Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 77, HSM 51, Ticonderoga-class cruiser USS Robert Smalls (CG 62), Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Shoup (DDG 86), fixed wing aircraft attached to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, two P-8 Poseidon aircraft and patrol boat from the Australian Defence Force, Australian Defence Vessel (ADV) Cape Otway, and an Australian Border Force Dash-8 aircraft assisted in the search.

“The U.S. Navy suspended the active search for a Sailor assigned to the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), effective 12:40 p.m. on July 30, 2025,” according to the statement. “The Sailor was reported missing July 28 while the ship was transiting the Timor Sea. The efforts concluded following an extensive search by the U.S. Navy and assets from the Australian Defence Force and Australian Border Force. The Sailor’s name is being withheld until 24 hours after next-of-kin notification is complete in accordance with Navy policy.”

The ship, and its carrier group, is currently participating in Talisman Sabre 25, a multinational exercise off the coast of Australia. Units were conducting search and rescue efforts in the Timor Sea.

The search began Monday after the sailor was reported missing.

USS George Washington forward-deployed to Japan last year for the second time, after spending six years at Newport News Shipbuilding for maintenance and updates.