Dad Reveals He Spoke with Sailor Son Hours Before He Disappeared from USS George Washington

Dad Speaks with Sailor Son Hours Before Disappearance from USS George Washington

The father of a Navy sailor who went missing on July 28 during a training exercise has spoken out about his son’s passion for serving in the U.S. Navy. Jose Rivera III, the father of Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Launch/Recovery Equipment) Airman Jose Antonio Rivera Lynch IV, recounted a heartwarming conversation he had with his son just 12 hours before the tragic incident.

Rivera described the conversation as “great,” mentioning how they always ended up expressing how proud they were of each other and highlighting Jose Antonio’s exceptional achievements within the family. The missing sailor was last seen onboard the USS George Washington in the ocean north of Australia during the training exercise. Lieutenant Commander Mark Langford confirmed that the search for the sailor had been suspended as of July 30.

Speaking to local Virginia news outlet WVEC-TV, Jose Rivera III shared fond memories of his son, describing him as a “likeable, very humble” individual. Rivera Lynch had joined the Navy in June 2024 and was deployed to USS George Washington in January, where he quickly made a positive impact on those around him with his friendly and helpful nature.

The tragic turn of events unfolded when the Navy responded to reports of a possible sailor overboard in the Timor Sea on July 28. The USS George Washington was taking part in the Talisman Sabre 25 exercise, a multinational collaboration between Australia and the U.S. Despite extensive search efforts involving Navy helicopters, vessels, and Australian Defence Force crews, the sailor could not be located.

Expressing gratitude for the military’s dedicated search efforts, Rivera commended their commitment to finding his son. Acknowledging the support from the community, he announced plans for a memorial service in his son’s honor, urging adherence to Navy protocols and requesting that his son be remembered for his caring and passionate spirit.

As the family prepares to bid farewell to their beloved son, Rivera reflected on the profound loss, expressing how the legacy of Jose Antonio Rivera Lynch IV will live on through him. The memorial service in his Florida hometown aims to celebrate the life of a remarkable young man taken too soon, leaving an irreplaceable void in the hearts of his loved ones.

The community’s outpouring of support and condolences serves as a testament to the impact that Rivera Lynch had on those around him, embodying the values of service and camaraderie that define the Navy family. The tragic loss of a promising young sailor highlights the inherent risks faced by those who serve in the armed forces, underscoring the sacrifices made in the line of duty.

In the wake of this devastating event, Rivera Lynch’s memory will endure as a beacon of light, illuminating the path for others to follow in his footsteps of dedication, courage, and selflessness. As the Navy continues to uphold its commitment to honoring and remembering its fallen heroes, the legacy of Jose Antonio Rivera Lynch IV will forever be cherished and revered by those whose lives he touched.