Sailor Rescued After 7 hours in Pacific Ocean
Story Number: NNS021019-01
Release Date: 10/19/2002 5:29:00 PM
By the Navy News Service
USS CONSTELLATION, At Sea (NNS) -- A U.S. Navy Sailor attached to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 151, was recovered this morning off the coast of Southern California after spending more than seven hours in the Pacific Ocean.
The Sailor was blown overboard by jet blast at five minutes past midnight, Saturday, Oct. 19 as he walked behind an EA-6B "Prowler" on the flight deck of USS Constellation (CV 64).
The Sailor was performing routine duties during normal night flight operations at the time of the incident.
Because fellow shipmates saw him go over the side, rescue efforts began immediately. The ship conducted a 180-degree turn to position itself in the vicinity of the Sailor. Helicopters and Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBs) from Constellation, USS Valley Forge (CG 50), USS Bunker Hill (CG 52), and USS Kinkaid (DD 965) assisted.
At approximately 7:20 a.m., Bunker Hill’s helicopter detachment spotted the Sailor in the water. Constellation’s helicopter squadron recovered the Sailor and returned him to the ship where where is in stable condition following medical treatment.
The Constellation battle group is underway for Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX), a final battle group exercise, prior to their upcoming deployment.
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