Operational Parameters
Nimitz-class CVN (Default)
Drop Height (ft)65 ft
Ship Speed (kts)22 kts
Entry PostureVertical Feet-First
Sea StateState 3 (4ft swell)
Fall Duration
2.01 s
Impact Velocity
43.7 mph
Peak Surface PSI
48.2 psi
Deceleration Peak
18.4 G
Prop Clearance
Clear of screws
SAR Operational Cost
$48,500
Article 92 — Failure to Obey Lawful Order
Primary Specification
Violation of OPNAVINST 3120.32D (SORM) & NAVPERS safety standing instructions prohibiting deliberate unauthorized departure from flight deck/catwalks.
Article 114 — Reckless Endangerment
Aggravated Hazard
Engaging in conduct creating a substantial risk of death or grievous bodily harm to self, shipboard spotters, and the deploying Search & Rescue helicopter crew.
Article 134 — General Article (Disorder / Discredit)
Direct Evidence
Conduct prejudicial to good order, discipline, and bringing discredit upon the Armed Forces via public/social media dissemination of unapproved flight deck stunt.
Article 86 — Unauthorized Absence (Appointed Place)
Incidental
Failing to report to authorized duty watch station during general flight operations / recovery intervals.
T+00:05
"MAN OVERBOARD (OSCAR)" sounded on 1MC. Conning officer orders rudder over to the side of fall to swing screws clear of sailor.
T+01:20
Bridge executes Williamson Turn or Anderson Turn to retrace tactical wake. Port/Starboard lookout rings smoke/strobe flare.
T+03:45
Ready-5 MH-60S Seahawk SAR helo scrambles from flight deck with Navy Rescue Swimmer on high-alert hoist vector.
T+07:10
Port RHIB (Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat) launch crew manned and lowered. Sailor retrieved; medical triage for water impact trauma.
T+18:00
Estimated sortie cost logged: Aviation JP-5, ship turn fuel delta, diverted flight schedule ($35k–$75k+).
Likely Command Disposition
Commanding Officer Non-Judicial Punishment (Captain's Mast / Art. 15)
Non-consensual discharge pathway with mandatory administrative separation board proceedings.
• Reduction in Rate: Demotion to E-1 / E-2 (immediate pay grade loss).
• Forfeiture of Pay: 1/2 month's pay per month for 2 months.
• Restriction / Extra Duty: 45 days bread & water / berthing restriction.
• Characterization: Administrative Discharge Under Other Than Honorable (OTH) conditions.