US Navy says 'bright' Henderson County sailor 'lost overboard' in Baltic Sea

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — The U.S. Navy on Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022, officially identified the sailor who fell overboard just days prior while operating in the Baltic Sea as Seaman Recruit David L. Spearman.

The Navy also issued a statement from the commanding officer of the USS Arleigh Burke, the vessel which Spearman was aboard.

US NAVY SAILOR FROM ETOWAH FALLS OVERBOARD IN BALTIC SEA; SEARCH EFFORTS CALLED OFF

The family of David "Dee" Spearman confirmed Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2022, that he was the man who fell overboard Monday, Aug. 1 near Helsinki, Finland.

After conducting search and rescue efforts, the Navy announced the search was called off late Tuesday.

Spearman finished basic training in January, then went through training at Surface Warfare Engineering School Command in Great Lakes, Illinois, before reporting in April to USS Arleigh Burke.

“This bright, young man made an oversized positive impact on Arleigh Burke. My entire crew’s thoughts and prayers are with Seaman Recruit Spearman’s family and friends. We offer our most sincere condolences for their loss,” said Cmdr. Pete Flynn, commanding officer, USS Arleigh Burke. “Thank you to the Swedish and German navies, the U.S. Air Force, and the Sailors from Arleigh Burke for their extensive efforts to search for our shipmate.”

The full statement issued Thursday on the United States Fleet Forces Command website is as follows:

"The U.S. Navy identified the Sailor assigned to USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51) lost overboard while operating in the Baltic Sea August 1, as North Carolina native Seaman Recruit David L. Spearman.

Spearman reported to Arleigh Burke in April following training at Surface Warfare Engineering School Command, Great Lakes, Ill.

“'This bright, young man made an oversized positive impact on Arleigh Burke. My entire crew’s thoughts and prayers are with Seaman Recruit Spearman’s family and friends. We offer our most sincere condolences for their loss,” said Cmdr. Pete Flynn, commanding officer, USS Arleigh Burke. “Thank you to the Swedish and German navies, the U.S. Air Force, and the Sailors from Arleigh Burke for their extensive efforts to search for our shipmate.'”