U.S Navy Announces Death Of Executive Officer Through Apparent Suicide Onboard USS Marinette

The former executive officer of the Littoral Combat Ship USS Marinette (LCS-25) passed away late last month as the vessel was moored in Cleveland, per USNI News. Per an obituary, Commander Jonathan Michael Volkle, 44, lost his life on the ship on 27 October.

Volke was found unresponsive and was later declared deceased, per a statement from the U.S. Surface Force Atlantic.

They mention that their thoughts go out to Volkle’s family during such a difficult period, and they would ask for their privacy to be respected.

Littoral Combat Ship Squadron (popular as the LCSRON) 2 is offering chaplain and mental health support to the vessel’s crew. Cmdr. Janet Brooms is going to be assigned as the executive officer.

Ashore served at the Naval Surface Force Pacific, Japanese Destroyer Squadron 15, and Littoral Combat Squadron 2.

He was given the Meritorious Service Medal along with three awards of the Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal and two of the Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal.

An examination into his death is in progress, but two relevant defence officials have reportedly confirmed to USNI News that an initial report had reflected that Volkle had died by suicide.

Last year, the service experienced its highest increase in the number of deaths by suicide from 2019, USNI News highlighted last month.

Marinette, one of the last planned Littoral Combat Ships that belong to the Freedom class, was commissioned on 17 September in Menominee, Mich.

Marinette was delayed in Cleveland due to a Canadian employee strike that shut down the St. Lawrence Seaway, according to USNI News. The ship was en route to its Naval Station Mayport, Fla homeport.

A Navy spokesperson informed USNI News that the ship was frequently underway from the Cleveland pier while trapped in Lake Erie.

Reference: usni.org

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