A U.S. Navy sailor from Middleburg was declared “lost at sea” while he served aboard the USS George Washington (CVN 73) in Australia in late July, according to his family.

The USS George Washington Public Affairs said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Airman Jose Antonio Rivera Lynch IV was assumed overboard on July 28. After more than 45 hours of search and rescue efforts, crews suspended search efforts in the Timor Sea on July 30.

Rivera Lynch’s family said he was 19 years old and that he served “with honor, courage and an unwavering commitment to protecting others.”

“Jose was more than a sailor — he was a loving son, a cherished brother, and a loyal friend whose laughter and light touched everyone around him. His sudden loss has left our family heartbroken and navigating the unimaginable gri

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