Deaths Aboard USS George Washington Highlight Sailor Mental Health Concerns

Aircraft carrier on water under a cloudy sky.

The dual tragedies aboard the USS George Washington have raised serious questions about the mental health and working conditions of America’s brave sailors.

At a Glance

Two sailors died shortly after the USS George Washington arrived in Yokosuka, Japan.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Cuyler Burnett Condon and Seaman Dimitri Isacc Morales were the sailors identified.
The NCIS is actively investigating the incidents with local law enforcement cooperation.
A history of sailor suicides onboard during previous maintenance periods highlights an environment needing reassessment.

Losses Upon Arrival

Two sailors from the USS George Washington passed away shortly after the aircraft carrier returned to its new homeport in Yokosuka, Japan. The deaths of Petty Officer 2nd Class Cuyler Burnett Condon and Seaman Dimitri Isacc Morales have prompted thorough investigations by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), assisted by Japanese officials. These incidents have drawn attention to previously reported concerns regarding sailor welfare on the vessel.

Condon was discovered unresponsive in an on-base hotel room on November 22, the same day the carrier docked at Yokosuka. Days later, Morales was found unresponsive and pronounced dead by local authorities on November 25. No cause of death was provided for either sailor, but the circumstances have spotlighted the mental health challenges faced by those serving aboard the USS George Washington.

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

Past and Present Concerns

The USS George Washington returned to Japan on November 22, after a long overhaul originating from Norfolk, Virginia. During its maintenance period from 2017 to 2023, eleven sailors died by suicide. These haunting figures remain at the forefront of the Navy’s investigations as they emphasize the importance of mental health programs for its personnel. The ship’s history, including previous suicides, signals a pressing issue for the military to address systemic problems within its ranks.

Svetlana Kashirina, seaman Morales’ mother, said, “We still do not know what happened to him and have zero details about his death.”

The Navy is responding to these issues by offering grief counseling and support services. However, the root causes of these tragedies point to the need for substantive changes rather than temporary solutions. Investigations revealed logistical issues at the shipyard that may have contributed to stress among crew members.

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

Future Outlook and Navy’s Role

The USS George Washington is expected to stay in Japan long-term, replacing the USS Ronald Reagan, which served for nearly a decade. Its strategic importance for the security of Japan and the Western Pacific remains high. However, the Navy acknowledges the need for robust support systems as part of ensuring the effectiveness of its deployments.

Vice Admiral Fred Kacher said that, “a U.S. carrier represents the most advanced maritime capability and is a significant investment in the security of Japan and the Western Pacific.”

With the focus now on improving resources and mental health protocols, the Navy must act decisively to prevent further losses. The situation serves as a stark reminder of the sacrifices made by those in service and the critical necessity to safeguard their well-being.