Two USS George Washington sailors have lost their lives in separate incidents in Japan, raising serious questions about mental health and safety on one of the Navy’s most notable carriers.
At a Glance
- Two sailors died shortly after the USS George Washington docked in Yokosuka, Japan.
- Investigations are underway by NCIS and Japanese authorities.
- The deaths coincide with past mental health concerns and suicides during the ship’s maintenance period.
- The Navy is providing grief counseling and emphasizing support resources.
Deaths Spur Investigations
The death of two sailors from the USS George Washington has prompted investigations from both the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) and Japanese law enforcement. Petty Officer 2nd Class Cuyler Burnett Condon was found unresponsive in a Yokosuka hotel on November 22, the day the ship arrived at its new homeport. Seaman Dimitri Isacc Morales was discovered off base on November 25 and was pronounced dead by local authorities. At present, no causes of death have been disclosed.
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
The deaths have shone a light on the need for accountability and a detailed reassessment of living conditions aboard the carrier. The George Washington had only recently returned to Japan after nearly a decade, taking over as the Navy’s only forward-deployed carrier. Past issues during its maintenance period from 2017 to 2023 were reported, with 11 sailors dying by suicide, which underscores ongoing concerns for mental health aboard the vessel.
Concerns Over Mental Health
Mental health and safety aboard the USS George Washington have long been talking points due to a prior series of suicides. Nine sailors died by suicide during the ship’s recent maintenance overhaul, prompting past investigations. These revealed issues related to inadequate living conditions, such as limited food and housing access. This history adds context to the current deaths and stresses the need for improved support systems aboard naval vessels.
Two sailors assigned to the USS George Washington died within days of each other shortly after the aircraft carrier arrived in Japan, officials and family members said. https://t.co/Jb3PeQtRmE
— NBC4 Washington (@nbcwashington) December 6, 2024
Svetlana Kashirina, Morales’ mother, expressed uncertainty about the circumstances surrounding her son’s death, reflecting a collective demand for clarity and justice. She noted, “At this time, I just want to say that my son was a very happy and caring young man who loved being a sailor and was proud to serve his country.”
U.S. Navy’s Response
The Navy is acutely aware of the gravity these tragedies pose and is providing counseling and support to grieving shipmates. These efforts are intended to counteract the psychological difficulties many sailors experience, especially when stationed in volatile or isolated environments. Nonetheless, the need for comprehensive preventive measures remains critical, and naval leadership is encouraged to work toward enhancing screening and support systems for all personnel.
Two Navy sailors assigned to the aircraft carrier USS George Washington died shortly after arriving at the ship’s new homeport in Japan, according to a NavyTimes article published on Dec. 3.https://t.co/OHAv0WNnJd pic.twitter.com/80rGW6L5CW
— WAVY TV 10 (@WAVY_News) December 4, 2024
The Navy’s investment in carriers like the George Washington is significant both strategically and symbolically, emphasizing security in the Western Pacific. According to Vice Admiral Fred Kacher, “A U.S. carrier represents the most advanced maritime capability and is a significant investment in the security of Japan and the Western Pacific.”
The tragedies reinforce the need for introspection within the armed forces, as well as a coordinated and compassionate approach to addressing mental health and safety aboard all naval installations.
Two U.S. Navy sailors assigned to the aircraft carrier USS George Washington died shortly after arriving at the ship's new homeport in Japan https://t.co/CTxZ2KtGcM
— abc27 News (@abc27News) December 5, 2024
Sources:
- https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2024/12/03/two-uss-george-washington-sailors-die-after-ships-arrival-in-japan/
- https://www.bostonherald.com/2024/12/04/us-navy-sailors-dead-japan-uss-george-washington/?ref=redicate.com
- https://www.nbcnews.com/news/military/two-uss-george-washington-sailors-die-japan-rcna182869
- https://americanmilitarynews.com/2024/12/2-us-navy-sailors-die-shortly-after-ship-arrives-in-japan/
