The U.S. Navy has announced that Airman Jose Antonio Rivera Lynch IV, a 19-year-old sailor assigned to the USS George Washington, is presumed dead following an overboard incident earlier this week in the Timor Sea, off the northern coast of Australia.
Rivera Lynch, who served as an aviation boatswain’s mate for launch and recovery equipment, was last seen aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier on Monday, July 29, 2025. A comprehensive search effort spanning 45 hours and covering more than 2,200 square miles was launched, involving multiple Navy ships, aircraft, and Australian Defense Force units. The search was officially suspended on Wednesday.
Originally from Florida, Rivera Lynch enlisted in the Navy in June 2024 and joined the USS George Washington in January 2025. At the time of his disappearance, the carrier and its strike group were participating in Operation Talisman Sabre, a large-scale, multinational training exercise involving U.S. and Australian forces.
“Our deepest sympathies go out to the family and friends of our shipmate, Airman Rivera Lynch,” said Capt. Tim Waits, commanding officer of the USS George Washington. “I am sincerely grateful for the support and coordination from all units who assisted in the search effort, including our partners from the Australian Defence Force and Border Force.”
Several key units joined the search operation, including the USS Shoup, USS Robert Smalls, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 12, and Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 78. Aircraft from both the U.S. and Australia also aided in the effort.
“The courage and dedication shown by all personnel involved in this operation exemplifies the professionalism and commitment that defines our Navy,” said Rear Adm. Eric Anduze, commander of Carrier Strike Group 5.
The USS George Washington, which carries a crew of approximately 3,500 sailors and an air wing element of roughly 2,400 personnel, had broken off from the exercise to conduct the search.
No further details regarding the circumstances of the incident have been released. The Navy is expected to continue an internal investigation into the event.
