Date: April 24, 2025
By: Your Name
The U.S. Navy has concluded its search for Information Systems Technician 2nd Class Ian McKnight, a sailor assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz CVN 68, who is believed to have gone overboard in the North Arabian Sea on September 6, 2020.
Following a thorough search of the ship and a man overboard alert on September 6, the USS Nimitz, guidedmissile cruiser USS Princeton, and aircraft from the U.S. Navy and Air Force conducted search and rescue operations in the area where McKnight was reported missing. The search and rescue operations were concluded on September 8 after extensive attempts to locate McKnight proved unsuccessful. citeturn0search4
We are deeply saddened as we call off the search for IT2 Ian McKnight, said Capt. Max Clark, commanding officer of USS Nimitz. We hold his family and friends in our hearts during this difficult time. citeturn0search4
McKnight remains listed as Duty Status Whereabouts Unknown DUSTWUN. Next of kin notification of McKnights DUSTWUN status has been completed. citeturn0search4
The strike group team sends our thoughts and prayers to the family of Petty Officer McKnight, said Rear Admiral Jim Kirk, commander, Carrier Strike Group 11. And I offer my thanks to all the Sailors and Airmen who were involved in the search for our shipmate. citeturn0search4
The incident remains under investigation.
The USS Nimitz is the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 11 and is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the Western Indian Ocean and three critical chokepoints to the free flow of global commerce. citeturn0search4
This tragic event underscores the inherent risks faced by service members during deployments and the importance of ongoing safety measures aboard naval vessels. The Navy community mourns the loss of a dedicated sailor and extends its deepest condolences to McKnights family and friends.