US Navy ends search for missing USS Abraham Lincoln sailor

The US Navy has ended its search and rescue efforts for a sailor believed to have gone overboard from the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) in the morning hours of July 17.

Illustration: US Navy file photo of an MH-60S helicopter assigned to the Nightdippers of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 5 landing on the flight deck of aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72).

The sailor, assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 5, is still listed as Duty Status Whereabouts Unknown (DUSTWUN).

The carrier strike group was in the Arabian Sea when the sailor was reported missing.

USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), Ticonderoga-class cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55) and Spanish Álvaro de Bazán-class frigate Méndez Núñez (F 104) were supported by Pakistan Navy ship Aslat (F265) in search and rescue operations.

The efforts were concluded on July 19, after extensive attempts to locate the sailor.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and shipmates of our lost sailor,” said Vice Adm. Jim Malloy, commander, US Naval Forces Central Command, US 5th Fleet, and Combined Maritime Forces. “During this tragic time, I want to thank the Spanish Álvaro de Bazán-class frigate Méndez Núñez for their assistance in the search operations, and all the sailors involved in the search for their valiant efforts to find our shipmate.”