Missing RI Sailor: Coast Guard Identifies Lincoln Man: Search Ended

LINCOLN, RI — The Coast Guard and the Navy have called off the search for Petty Officer Christopher W. Clavin, of Lincoln. He went overboard June 6 around 3 p.m. when the guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy was underway conducting training near Cherry Point,North Carolina. Fire Controlman 2nd Class Clavin fell into water 80 miles off the coast.

A man overboard call went out immediately, and a search and rescue started. Aircraft carrier USS
Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), with four embarked helicopters, U.S. Coast Guard medium endurance
cutter USCGC Forward (WMEC 911), as well as guided missile destroyers USS Bainbridge (DDG
96), USS The Sullivans (DDG 68) and USS Mason (DDG 87) are participating. Additional Navy and Coast Guard aircraft have also been assisting in the search.

"Every Navy and Coast Guard member participating in this operation is dedicated to finding our lost
shipmate. Our thoughts are with Petty Officer Clavin and his family during this difficult time," said
Adm. Phil Davidson, commander, U.S. Fleet Forces.

As of today, the Navy and Coast Guard team have spent 48 hours in a systematic and comprehensive
search that has covered roughly 2,500 square miles.