U.S. Navy Suspends Search for Missing Sailor Near Guam

The U.S. Navy has suspended its five-day search for a missing sailor assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68), who was last seen during a port call at Naval Base Guam.

The sailor was reported unaccounted for on the morning of April 19.

“The sailor has been listed as Duty Status Whereabouts Unknown (DUSTWUN) after being reported unaccounted for Saturday morning while the USS Nimitz was conducting a regularly scheduled port call at Naval Base Guam,” the Navy stated in a press release announcing the conclusion of the search on April 24.

Local press reports have identified the missing sailor as Gabriel D. Holt. Navy policy requires a 24-hour period following next-of-kin notification before officially releasing the name.

The search operation spanned approximately 11,000 square nautical miles of ocean over a period of 120 hours. Participating units included Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25, a P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft from Commander Task Force 72, the U.S. Coast Guard cutter USCGC Oliver Henry (WPC 1140), 45-foot Response Boat-Mediums from Station Apra Harbor, and Guam Fire Rescue teams conducting both coastal and offshore efforts.

The USS Nimitz, a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, departed San Diego in March for what is expected to be its final deployment before decommissioning next year. Its stop in Guam marked the carrier’s first visit to the Indo-Pacific region during this mission.

The Nimitz is currently deployed with Carrier Air Wing 17 and is part of the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group, which includes the guided-missile destroyers USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54), USS Gridley (DDG 101), USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108), and USS Lenah Sutcliffe Higbee (DDG 123).

“The sailor’s family has been notified,” the Navy added. “We extend our deepest sympathies during this difficult time.”