Two sailors from the USS George Washington found dead within days of the carrier’s arrival in Japan, raising concerns about a troubling pattern of deaths aboard the vessel.
At a Glance
- Two sailors died shortly after USS George Washington arrived in Yokosuka, Japan
- The deceased were identified as Petty Officer 2nd Class Cuyler Burnett Condon and Seaman Dimitri Isacc Morales
- NCIS is investigating both incidents, with Japanese authorities assisting in Morales’ case
- The carrier had previously experienced a series of suicides during its maintenance period from 2017 to 2023
Tragic Deaths Mar USS George Washington’s Arrival in Japan
The USS George Washington’s recent arrival at its new homeport in Yokosuka, Japan, has been overshadowed by tragedy. Two sailors assigned to the aircraft carrier were found dead within days of the ship’s docking, reigniting concerns about the mental health and well-being of naval personnel. The incidents have prompted separate investigations by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), with Japanese authorities assisting in one case.
The sailors were identified as Petty Officer 2nd Class Cuyler Burnett Condon and Seaman Dimitri Isacc Morales. Condon was found unresponsive in an on-base hotel room on November 22, the same day the carrier docked at Yokosuka Naval Base. Just three days later, on November 25, Morales was discovered unresponsive off base in Yokosuka and pronounced dead by local authorities. As of now, no cause of death has been provided for either sailor, leaving families and fellow service members searching for answers.
The deaths of two sailors assigned to the USS George Washington are currently under investigation.https://t.co/qBf2JwZmVQ
— Stars and Stripes (@starsandstripes) December 2, 2024
A Troubling Pattern Emerges
These tragic events have brought attention to a disturbing trend aboard the USS George Washington. During the ship’s lengthy maintenance period from 2017 to 2023, 11 sailors died by suicide, according to NCIS reports. This pattern of deaths has raised serious questions about the conditions and support systems in place for naval personnel, particularly during extended periods of ship maintenance and overhaul.
The mother of Seaman Morales, Svetlana Kashirina, expressed her anguish and frustration over the lack of information surrounding her son’s death. The uncertainty and lack of clear communication have only added to the family’s grief and raised further questions about the Navy’s handling of these incidents.
Navy’s Response and Ongoing Investigations
In light of these events, the Navy has stated that it is providing grief counseling and support services to sailors aboard the USS George Washington. The NCIS is conducting thorough investigations into both deaths, collaborating with local Japanese law enforcement in the case of Seaman Morales. These investigations aim to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the deaths and potentially identify any systemic issues that need to be addressed.
The USS George Washington’s arrival in Yokosuka marks its return to Japan after nearly a decade, establishing it as the Navy’s only forward-deployed carrier. This deployment follows an extensive midlife refueling and maintenance overhaul in Virginia, which was initially planned for four years but extended until May 2023. During this overhaul period, investigations revealed issues with parking, transportation, and access to food and housing at the shipyard, factors that may have contributed to the mental health challenges faced by the crew.
Call for Action and Support
These recent deaths have once again highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive mental health support and improved living conditions for naval personnel, especially during extended maintenance periods. The Navy continues to encourage those in crisis to reach out to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and other available resources. As the investigations unfold, there is a growing demand for transparency and concrete actions to address the underlying issues that may be contributing to these tragic losses within the naval community.
