(CNN) – Three sailors aboard the USS George Washington aircraft carrier have died within a week, while the Navy Criminal Investigation Service and local authorities are investigating the deaths.
One sailor on the aircraft carrier did not respond last Friday, while the others were found at landings on April 9 and 10.
“While these incidents are under investigation, there are no initial indications to suggest a link between these tragic events,” said Navy spokeswoman Commander Rein Momsen.
The Navy did not immediately respond to a request for comment. These groups aim to provide short-term mental health support after a traumatic event such as loss of life.
The Navy identified the sailor, who died April 9, as a Class 3 retailer of services, Michael Sharp. The sailor, who died April 10, was identified by the Navy as Natasha Huffman, a Class 3 Interior Communications electrician.
The Navy has not identified a third sailor who died on Friday after being unable to board the ship.
“Our thoughts and condolences go to the family, friends and fellow sailors of our sailors,” Mumsen said.
The USS George Washington is a Nimitz-type nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. It is currently based in Newport News, Virginia, where it undergoes a complex refurbishment and refueling process that is a once-in-a-lifetime process to replace the ship’s nuclear fuel and refit it for future operations. The ship has been in the Newport news since August 2017.
