NORFOLK, VA — A sailor assigned to the USS George H.W. Bush, an aircraft carrier, was killed after being hit by the turning propeller of an E-2C Hawkeye, according to the Navy.
The Navy said the sailor died in the “mishap” around 4:45 p.m. on Monday. No other sailors were hurt and the cause of the incident is currently under investigation.
On Wednesday, the Navy identified the deceased sailor as Airman Apprentice Joseph Min Naglak, a native of New Jersey.
“The entire CVN77 family is heartbroken by his loss,” the Navy said on Twitter.
Naglak was struck by the turning propeller of the E-2C Hawkeye after securing the aircraft to the flight deck. Naglak joined the Navy in 2017 and reported to the ship four months after training in Pensacola, Florida, per WKTR.
“The loss of a shipmate is a heartbreaking experience for a crew of a Naval vessel and those aboard USS George H.W. Bush will mourn Naglak’s passing and remember him always for his devoted service and sacrifice to the nation,” the Navy said in a statement.
According to The Virginian-Pilot, pilots had been conducting carrier qualifications at the time of the death. The ship left Norfolk last weekend ahead of Hurricane Florence and has not yet returned, according to the Pilot.
Click Here: Cardiff Blues Store
The ship has resumed operations and remains underway at sea to complete naval pilot aircraft carrier qualifications.
Photo via U.S. Navy