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In a news release, Navy officials said they have suspended the search for Airman Jose Antonio Rivera Lynch IV, from Middleburg.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A U.S. Navy sailor from Middleburg was identified as a missing sailor assumed overboard July 28 on USS George Washington, Navy officials announced Friday.
In a news release, Navy officials identified the sailor as Airman Jose Antonio Rivera Lynch IV.
Lt. Cmdr. Mark Langford, the public affairs officer aboard George Washington, confirmed to First Coast News he is from Middleburg.
Navy officials said Friday they suspended the search for Rivera Lynch, who went missing off the coast of Australia July 28, on July 30.
The search effort, which included U.S. Navy, Australian Defence Forces and Australian Border Forces, lasted more than 45 hours and covered roughly 2,200 square miles.
“Our deepest sympathies go out to the family and friends of our shipmate, Airman Rivera Lynch,” said Capt. Tim Waits, USS George Washington’s commanding officer. “I am sincerely grateful for the support and coordination from all units who assisted in the search effort, including our partners from the Australian Defence Force and Border Force.”
Navy officials said several search and rescue helicopter squadrons were used in the search efforts, as well as the Ticonderoga-class cruiser USS Robert Smalls and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Shoup.
Aircraft aboard USS George Washington also assisted in the search efforts.
Rivera Lynch enlisted in the Navy in June 2024, and first joined USS George Washington in January, 2025.
In an interview with USNI News, the online news publication of the U.S. Naval Institute, Lynch’s father said his son entered the Navy just after graduating high school.
“There are many things I can say about my son — a vibrant young man, educated, humble. He truly loved the Navy, he truly loved what he did,” Jose Rivera told USNI News. The elder Rivera said he last spoke to his son on Sunday morning, about 12 hours before the sailor went missing.
The Veterans Council Clay County Florida announced Aug. 1 a memorial service honoring the sailor’s life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2 at Calvary Church Orange Park, at 9 Knight Boxx Road in Orange Park, Florida.
The Florida Times-Union contributed to this report.
