Sailor Who Jumped Off Ranger Identified as South Carolinan

The sailor who Navy officials believe committed suicide by jumping off the aircraft carrier Ranger on Thursday has been identified as Petty Officer 3rd Class James A. Anderson, 23, of St. Matthews, S.C.

Navy officials began searching for Anderson after he failed to report for duty Thursday morning in the ship’s supply department where he worked as a cook. An extensive search of the Ranger’s wake 80 miles off the coast of San Diego failed to turn up the missing crewman’s body.

While the Ranger continues to conduct routine training exercises in the area near San Clemente Island where Anderson is believed to have jumped ship, Navy officials said they have given up any hope that Anderson could have survived.

Cmdr. Tom Jurkowsky said there is “no evidence whatsoever” of foul play. Jurkowsky said Anderson left behind a “cryptic note” that has led Navy officials to believe he committed suicide. Anderson also reportedly made statements to acquaintances aboard the ship that indicated he was despondent.

Anderson enlisted in the Navy on June 4, 1982, and was assigned to the Ranger after boot camp. His identity had been withheld until Navy officials notified his mother Friday evening in New York.