Navy ID’s sailor killed aboard carrier Bush
After securing aircraft, 21-year-old was hit by spinning propeller
The Navy identified the sailor Wednesday who died on the flight deck of the USS George H.W. Bush earlier this week when he was hit by the turning propeller of an E-2C Hawkeye after securing the aircraft to the flight deck.
Airman Apprentice Joseph Min Naglak of New Jersey died on Monday. He was 21. Naglak enlisted in April 2017 and reported aboard the Bush four months later.
“The loss of a shipmate is a heartbreaking experience for a crew of a Naval vessel and those aboard USS George H.W. Bush will mourn Naglak’s passing and remember him always for his devoted service and sacrifice to our Nation,” the Navy said in a statement.
Naglak’s Facebook page says he was engaged to be married earlier this month, had studied homeland security at Monmouth University in West Long Branch, N.J., and attended West WindsorPlainsboro High School North in Plainsboro, N.J. Monmouth University spokeswoman Morganne Dudzinski said Naglak attended the university from fall 2015 through fall 2016.
A Facebook post by Andy Lanier said that Naglak was his best friend and that they served together on the Bush. Lanier took a picture that showed him in a Navy uniform with what appears to be a flag-draped coffin behind him.
“Yesterday I lost my brother, bestfriend and shipmate on the flight deck. Today I’m bringing you home,” Lanier wrote. “Words can’t explain how much I miss you man. No one knows a true friendship until you’ve served together. And I have proudly served along side you brother. I love you man.”
No one else was hurt and the cause of the death is under investigation, according to the Navy.
Pilots had been conducting carrier qualifications at the time of the death Monday, according to Cmdr. Dave Hecht, spokesman for Naval Air Force Atlantic. Carrier qualifications involve aviators honing their skills launching and recovering fixed-wing aircraft. Those operations aboard the aircraft
Pilots had been conducting carrier qualifications at the time of the death Monday, according to Cmdr. Dave Hecht, spokesman for Naval Air Force Atlantic.
carrier were suspended following the death and resumed Tuesday.
“He lost his life while doing his job to ensure that naval aviators are safely trained to be worldwide deployable in support of our national defense,” said a post on the USS George H.W. Bush’s Facebook page. “We offer our sincerest condolences to his family and friends. Airman Naglak will always be part of our Avenger family, and we will continue to honor his memory as we conduct our mission. Shipmate, we have the watch!”
The aircraft carrier left Norfolk last week to head out to sea in anticipation of Hurricane Florence and has not yet returned.