A U.S. Navy Sailor assigned to USS Essex (LHD 2) died 10:04 p.m. (GMT), Monday, June 29, from non-combat related causes, while the ship was conducting routine operations in the 5th Fleet area of operations.

The Sailor reported chest pains shortly before collapsing. Medical personnel on board attempted to revive the Sailor but were unsuccessful. The cause of death is unknown at this time pending an investigation.

Essex is the flagship for the Essex Amphibious Ready Group and, with the embarked 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, is deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

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