The aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan undergoes maintenance at Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan, Feb. 17, 2023. (Jennessa Davy/Stars and Stripes)
YOKOSUKA NAVAL BASE, Japan — A sailor assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan died Monday evening after falling from an unaccompanied housing building, the base confirmed Tuesday.
The sailor, a 22-year-old seaman whose identity was not disclosed, was critically injured in the fall, base spokesman Randall Baucom told Stars and Stripes by email.
The sailor was treated first at Naval Hospital Yokosuka and then at Kyosai Hospital, roughly one mile from base, and died at 9:27 p.m., Baucom said.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Sailor’s family, friends and the crew of USS Ronald Reagan during this difficult time,” he wrote. “As with any situation where a Sailor passes away, the incident is under investigation by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service.”
The sailor’s next of kin were notified, and the Ronald Reagan’s command is providing chaplain and counseling support to the crew of the carrier, which is in port at Yokosuka.
“The command has three Chaplains, a Psychologist, a mental health technician and a Deployed Resiliency Counselor to assist any Sailor grieving the loss of their shipmate,” Baucom said.
Baucom said he could not provide any additional information, such as the sailor’s identity or command, whether the death was considered a suicide or if foul play was suspected.
