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Sailor presumed dead
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Posted on Apr 27 2006
SANTA RITA, Guam—Petty Officer 2nd Class Julio Owen Francis, a crewmember from the submarine USS City of Corpus Christi, has been presumed dead, as a result of an interagency search and ongoing investigation.
Last week, the Navy launched an investigation after Francis’ vehicle was found at Tarague Beach on Andersen Air Force Base. The investigation indicates that Francis was snorkeling in the area, and officials report that turbulent seas and high winds may have contributed to the accident.
The Navy sends its prayers to the family, friends, and shipmates of the sailor as they grieve.
The U.S. Coast Guard, Navy Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25, Guam Fire Department, Andersen’s 36th Security Forces Squadron, Navy maritime patrol aircraft, and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service conducted the search and investigation in an attempt to locate the sailor.
The at-sea search area covered approximately 1,900 square nautical miles spanning 80 nautical miles offshore.
City of Corpus Christi is currently underway, conducting normal operations in the U.S. Seventh Fleet area of responsibility. (PR)
