The U.S. Navy has officially identified the sailor who went missing from the aircraft carrier USS George Washington during a training exercise in the Timor Sea, north of Australia. The individual has been named as Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Launch/Recovery Equipment) Airman Jose Antonio Rivera Lynch IV.
Rivera Lynch was assumed overboard on July 28, 2025, while the carrier was participating in the multinational Talisman Sabre 25 exercise, which involved 19 countries and over 40,000 personnel.
Intensive Search Effort
Immediately upon receiving reports of a possible sailor overboard, USS George Washington and units from Carrier Strike Group 5 launched massive search-and-rescue operations. The efforts included Navy helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, the guided‑missile destroyer USS Shoup, cruise USS Robert Smalls, along with support from the Royal Australian Air Force’s P‑8 Poseidon, the ADV Cape Otway, and other Australian Border Force assets. Search operations spanned over 45 continuous hours, covering an area of roughly 2,200 square miles in the Timor Sea.
Despite the extensive multinational effort, the Navy suspended its search on July 30, 2025, at 12:40 p.m., following established protocols and after completing broad area coverage. Per Navy policy, the sailor’s identity was withheld until proper notification of next of kin had been completed
Tributes from Navy Commanders
Following the suspension of the search, Capt. Tim Waits, commanding officer of USS George Washington, released a statement offering sympathies:
“Our deepest sympathies go out to the family and friends of our shipmate, Airman Rivera Lynch… I am sincerely grateful for the support and coordination from all units who assisted in the search effort…”
Rear Admiral Eric Anduze, commander of Carrier Strike Group 5, described this as an “incredibly difficult time” and emphasized the professionalism and dedication of all involved:
“Our thoughts and prayers remain with Airman Rivera Lynch’s family, friends, and shipmates during this incredibly difficult time… The courage and dedication shown by all personnel involved in this operation exemplifies the professionalism and commitment that defines our Navy.”
About Airman Rivera Lynch
Rivera Lynch enlisted in the U.S. Navy in June 2024 and reported aboard USS George Washington in January 2025. His deployment on the George Washington coincided with its first patrol since returning to Japan in November 2024, following an extensive overhaul
At a Glance
| Key Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Airman Jose Antonio Rivera Lynch IV |
| Rank/Position | Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Launch/Recovery Equipment) |
| Incident Date | Reported missing July 28, 2025 |
| Exercise | Talisman Sabre 25 in the Timor Sea |
| Search Area | ~ 2,200 sq mi over 45+ hours |
| Search Suspended | July 30, 2025 at 12:40 p.m. |
The identification of Airman Rivera Lynch marks a solemn moment for the Navy, his shipmates, and his loved ones. He will be remembered by his colleagues as a dedicated sailor whose service was cut tragically short. The USS George Washington and associated commands continue to provide support to those affected as they mourn a fellow service member lost at sea.
