Navy identifies Arleigh Burke sailor who died falling overboard in Baltic Sea

The Navy identified the sailor assigned to the guided-missile destroyer Arleigh Burke who died falling overboard into the Baltic Sea on Aug. 1.

Seaman Recruit David L. Spearman, originally from North Carolina, joined the Arleigh Burke in April after wrapping up training at Surface Warfare Engineering School Command at Great Lakes, Illinois.

“This bright, young man made an oversized positive impact on Arleigh Burke. My entire crew’s thoughts and prayers are with Seaman Recruit Spearman’s family and friends. We offer our most sincere condolences for their loss,” Cmdr. Pete Flynn, commanding officer of the Arleigh Burke, said in a statement.

“Thank you to the Swedish and German navies, the U.S. Air Force, and the Sailors from Arleigh Burke for their extensive efforts to search for our shipmate,” Flynn said.

No additional details were available.

The destroyer is based out of Rota, Spain, and is part of the Navy’s Task Force 65, which supports regional allies and partners in U.S. 6th Fleet.

More In Your Navy

Navy offers future sailors, veterans up to $115,000 in enlistment, loan repayment incentives

Future sailors and veterans must either enlist or reassess into active duty and ship out before the end of September to qualify.

3D animation shows the inner-workings of an AR-15

The video explains why the rifle is such an efficient, and ultimately dangerous, weapon.

Everything we know Gen. Milley has told the Jan. 6 panel

Here is all of the publicly released testimony by the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in one place.

USS Abraham Lincoln strike group returns from deployment

The seven-month underway spanned the Pacific Ocean and included exercises with Japan and other nations.

The aircraft carrier George HW Bush deploys from Norfolk

The carrier is expected to replace the aircraft carrier Harry S. Truman, which is deployed to the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations.

In Other News

Campaigning at the top of the world: The Arctic and homeland defense

It is becoming increasingly apparent that competitors, such as Russia and China, desire to influence international norms and alter the behaviors of allies, partners and Arctic-focused countries for the benefit of these competitor nations.

US launches three airstrikes against al-Shabab in Somalia

The strikes killed four militants, according to a release.

China appears to wind down military drills near Taiwan

China reaffirmed its threat to use military force to bring self-governing Taiwan under its control, amid threatening Chinese military exercises.

Ukraine says 9 Russian warplanes destroyed in Crimea blasts

Russia denied any aircraft were damaged in Tuesday’s blasts — or that any attack took place.

Camp Lejeune’s toxic water killed my daughter. This new law finally allows affected families to take legal action

Janey, the only one of the author's four children conceived at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, died of leukemia at age 9.

Austin pledges military training, support for Baltics

Austin is the first U.S. defense secretary to visit Latvia in nearly three decades, underscoring the increased importance of the Baltic nations.

How does use of ‘ninja missile’ change counterterrorism?

Drone strikes have also been relatively effective at limiting collateral damage compared to other strike options—reducing deaths among both civilians on the ground as well as U.S. servicemembers who might otherwise take part in a ground raid. Needless to say, a more precise missile will only serve to keep lowering civilian casualties.

Burn pits recognition for veterans took decade of struggle

President Joe Biden is scheduled to sign the bill boosting health and disability benefits for veterans into law on Wednesday.

Marine general takes over Africa Command, sees challenges

“America cannot afford to ignore Africa," Africa Command's outgoing leader said.

China drills show ambitions beyond island, Taiwan warns

The warning came as Taipei conducted its own exercises Tuesday to underscore it’s ready to defend itself.

Load More