Three sailors serving aboard the USS George H.W. Bush aircraft carrier committed suicide last week.
None of the incidents were related, nor did any of them take place on the ship, which is docked at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Virginia, the Navy announced Monday.
The three sailors were identified as Chief Electronics Technician Nuclear James Shelton, Airman Ethan Stuart, and Aviation Ordnanceman First Class Vincent Forline, according to Task and Purpose.
“Every death of a Sailor is devastating and affects our entire Navy Family,” said Jennifer Cragg, a spokeswoman with Norfolk Naval Station. “Our thoughts and condolences are with the family, friends, and shipmates of the Sailors.”
A post from the Facebook group for the USS George H.W. Bush said the deaths mark the third, fourth, and fifth crew member suicides in the last two years.
“My heart is broken,” wrote Capt. Sean Bailey, commanding officer of the ship.
“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,” Bailey said. “We need All Hands to engage by bringing forward your suggestions and ideas for how we can work together to prevent another suicide. I want to reiterate that there is never any stigma or repercussion from seeking help.”
The USS George H.W. Bush joined the fleet in 2009 and is named for the former president, who was a World War II naval aviator.
