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Search ends for Sailor from Norfolk-based USS Normandy reported overboard off N.C. coast

Posted at 6:54 AM, Jun 07, 2017
and last updated 2017-06-09 21:38:07-04

CHERRY POINT, N.C. – A U.S. Navy Sailor was reported overboard from the Norfolk-based Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG-60) off the North Carolina coast.

A Navy spokesperson from U.S. Fleet Forces Command says the Sailor went overboard at approximately 3 p.m. Tuesday afternoon.

He has been identified as Fire Controlman 2nd Class Christopher W. Clavin.

At the time, the ship was approximately 80 nautical miles off the coast of North Carolina conducting independent training.

Aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), U.S. Coast Guard medium endurance cutter USCGC Forward (WMEC 911), along with Arleigh Burke-class Aegis guided missile destroyers USS Bainbridge (DDG 96), USS The Sullivans (DDG 68) and USS Mason (DDG 87) were on station to join USS Normandy in the search efforts.

Navy fixed and rotary wing aircraft are also assisted in the operation, along with aircraft with the U.S. Coast Guard.

The search was called off Friday. The Navy and Coast Guard team spent 76 hours in a systematic and comprehensive search that covered roughly 6,300 square miles.

“I’m proud of the determined efforts of the Navy and U.S. Coast Guard search teams,” said Adm. Phil Davidson, commander, U.S. Fleet Forces. “Our thoughts are with our lost shipmate, his family, and the officers and crew of USS Normandy.”

The Normandy crew plans on conducting a memorial service for their lost shipmate.

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