US Navy suspends search for missing Carter Hall sailor

The U.S. Navy informed that Navy and Coast Guard assets on April 12 ended the search for the missing USS Carter Hall sailor.

The Sailor was reported missing April 9 while the ship was conducting routine training operations in support of the Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group Composite Training Unit Exercise, approximately 60 nautical miles off the coast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina.

The Navy was searching for a female third-class petty officer, according to an initial Navy report cited by Navy Times.

Search and rescue operations were launched immediately in which various Navy and Coast Guard helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft participated in the 72-hour search that covered more than 22,388 square nautical miles.

“It is with a deep sense of sadness that we suspend the search for our fellow shipmate,” said Rear Adm. Bruce Lindsey, commander, Carrier Strike Group Four, who led the search efforts. “Our sincere condolences are with the Sailor’s family, who have requested privacy following their tragic loss.”

“An investigation into the incident is in progress”, the Navy said.