SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — The Navy has called off search and rescue efforts to find a Sailor from the USS Theodore Roosevelt who reportedly went overboard.
Navy crews from the San Diego-based carrier and five other vessels ended the search at sunset on Saturday. Crews and the U.S. Coast Guard searched more than 607 square nautical miles for more than 55 hours off the coast of Southern California.
Ships began rescue efforts after a lookout spotted what they believed to be a person in the water at about 7:30 a.m. on Thursday, according to the Navy.
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The Navy ad the Sailor's family identified him as 20-year-old Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Apprentice Ethan Garrett Goolsby of Texas.
Goolsby reported to the USS Theodore Roosevelt in July after his initial training as an aviation ordnanceman in Pensacola, Fla. He was promoted to his current rank on Sept. 16.
"The loss of our Sailor is felt deeply by all on board," said Capt. Eric Anduze, commanding officer of Theodore Roosevelt. "The entire Theodore Roosevelt team sends our deepest condolences to the family of our missing shipmate."
The Sailor's family was notified before the search stopped. The Navy said it has changed the Sailor's status to "deceased."
Rear Admiral Doug Verissimo, commander of Carrier Strike Group Nine, added that the strike group, "sends our thoughts and prayers to the family and loved ones of our missing shipmate. I offer my thanks to all the Sailors and Coast Guardsmen who were involved in the search."
The USS Theodore Roosevelt departed San Diego several days ago for an exercise at sea ahead of its second deployment of the year, according to USNI News. The ship is set to change its homeport from San Diego to Bremerton, Wash., for an overhaul in 2021.
