The U.S. Navy is conducting search-and-rescue operations after a sailor assigned to the USS George Washington (CVN-73) was reported missing in the Timor Sea, the service confirmed Tuesday.
According to the ship’s spokesperson, Lt. Cmdr. Mark Langford, who spoke to USNI News, the sailor was reported missing on Monday afternoon.
“The ship initiated search and rescue procedures after receiving reports of a possible Sailor overboard. Australian Defence Force and Australian Border Force assets are also supporting the U.S. Navy with the search and rescue efforts,” the Navy said in a news release published Monday.
The Navy has not released the sailor’s identity or provided further details about the location or circumstances of the incident.
According to USNI News, the rescue operation involves the cruiser USS Robert Smalls (CG-62), the destroyer USS Shoup (DDG-86), the “Golden Falcons” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 12 (HSC-12), the “Saberhawks” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 78 (HSM-78), and several fixed-wing aircraft.
USS George Washington and its carrier strike group is operating in the Timor Sea as part of Talisman Sabre 2025, a multinational military exercise. This is George Washington’s first patrol since returning to Japan in November 2024 following maintenance.
USS George Washington (CVN 73) conducts flight operations while underway in the Timor Sea during Talisman Sabre 2025.
Talisman Sabre is the largest bilateral U.S.-Australia military exercise, enhancing interoperability and strengthening partnerships in support of a free and open… pic.twitter.com/j1eoiAHgbY
— U.S. Navy (@USNavy) July 25, 2025
