The USS Theodore Roosevelt sailor who died of COVID-19 has been identified as 41-yr-outdated Charles Robert Thacker, a father of two whose active-obligation spouse rushed to Guam to be by his aspect, officials said.

Aviation Ordnanceman Main Petty Officer Charles Robert Thacker Jr., of Fort Smith, Arkansas, who examined optimistic for the illness on March 30, died April 13 at the US Naval Clinic in Guam, in accordance to the Navy.

“Our views and prayers are with the family members through this hard time,” the plane carrier’s commanding officer, Capt. Carlos Sardiello, mentioned in a assertion.

“Our selection one particular priority proceeds to be the well being and very well-currently being of all customers of the Theodore Roosevelt Strike Team and we keep on being steadfast in our solve from the unfold of this virus,” he additional.

His wife, Symantha Thacker, a sailor who is stationed in San Diego, arrived in Guam two days in advance of he died, the Navy reported.

Thacker, who enlisted in the Navy in December 1997, had beforehand served on the Roosevelt from January to July 2016, in accordance to Stars and Stripes.

His provider awards include things like the Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist badge, the Navy and Maritime Corps Commendation Medal and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, the information outlet described.

Thacker was an avid off-roading, pictures and shooting fanatic, in accordance to his Facebook web site, which characteristics a photo of him firing a .300 Winchester Magnum rifle.

The Arkansas congressional delegation made available its condolences.

“This is a wonderful reduction versus an unparalleled enemy, and we have to continue on to amplify sources on all amounts to defeat this virus and safeguard personnel,” Republican Rep. Steve Womack mentioned in a statement.

Republican Sen. John Boozman praised Thacker’s dedication to his country and really like for his household.

“[Chief] Petty Officer Thacker’s appreciation for the particular factors in daily life — significantly his cherished kinds and passions — reminds us how precious time genuinely is and how this virus poses a menace to all of us, even the warriors devoted to defending The united states,” he reported.

The Roosevelt’s commanding officer, Capt. Brett Crozier, was dismissed following he pleaded for help with the coronavirus outbreak aboard the ship in a letter that was leaked to a San Francisco newspaper.

Crozier, who also analyzed beneficial for COVID-19, was dismissed by then-Acting Navy Secretary Thomas Modly soon after sounding the alarm about the outbreak in the leaked memo.

Modly afterwards resigned soon after delivering a speech to the Roosevelt’s crew on the ship’s public tackle process in which he slammed Crozier as “stupid” for not noticing his message would be leaked.

On Thursday, Protection Secretary Mark Esper said Crozier could be reinstated and that he’ll be the 1 to make the call.

Much more than 600 crew customers on the carrier have tested constructive for the deadly bug.



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