US Navy identifies missing USS Stethem sailor after suspending search

After suspending search efforts, the U.S. Navy identified the missing USS Stethem (DDG 63) sailor as Lt. Steven D. Hopkins.

Hopkins was reported missing and assumed overboard on August 1, during what the navy described as routine operations in the South China Sea.

USS Stethem was 140 miles of Subic Bay, Republic of the Philippines, when the incident happened.

In addition to navy ships from the U.S. and Japan, Chinese Peoples Liberation Army (Navy) ships contributed to the search which was suspended on August 4.

Hopkins, a Texas native who received his commission at the Citadel in May 2009 and reported to Stethem in July 2017. His previous tours include USS Ramage (DDG 61), USS Normandy (CG 60), and Operational Test and Evaluation Force.

The navy said the incident was currently under investigation.