A Sailor aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) was recovered uninjured after falling overboard at 5:39 a.m. March 15.
The Sailor was recovered by an SH-60F Seahawk search and rescue helicopter from Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron (HS) 11.
The Sailor was working on the flight deck when the incident occurred. Several other Sailors working nearby witnessed the fall and immediately called for assistance.
The HS-11 helicopter, attached to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1, was not airborne at the time of the incident, but quickly made preparations for takeoff in response to the man overboard call.
Enterprise and CVW-1 are conducting carrier qualifications in the Atlantic Ocean prior to continuing on the ship’s regularly-scheduled deployment.
The cause of the incident is currently under investigation. The Sailor is currently in the ship’s Medical department for evaluation and observation.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff , March 16, 2012; Image: navy