Three sailors assigned to the Norfolk-based aircraft carrier George H.W. Bush lost their lives in off-ship accidents, believed to be suicide. The navy is collaborating with local investigators to examine under which circumstances these incidents took place.
Navy’s Capt. Sean Bailey, the ship’s commander, reported that these deaths account for the third, fourth, and fifth crewmember suicides in the last two years, adding that ‘Now is the time to come together as a crew and as a family to grieve, to support each other, and to care for those in need.’
During his message Capt. Bailey highlighted the importance of crewmates to talk to each other, speak with chaplains, psychologists and counselors who are onboard to get the support needed.
It is crucial for sailors to watch closely for signs of stress among their crewmates, as suicide thoughts are a common phenomenon to those exposed to multiple stressors mainly due to isolation or the adverse working conditions at sea.
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The George H.W. Bush vessel is for the time being drydocked at Newport News Shipyard; According to local sources, the incidents took place off base. The US Navy informed that all three losses have been ruled suicides, whereas local and NCIS authorities haven’t linked the three losses.
The loss seafarers, Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class Vincent Forline, Chief Electronics Technician-Nuclear James Shelton and Airman Ethan Stuart, were found separately and didn’t serve at the same department.