A sailor who tested positive for coronavirus while aboard the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt died in Guam on Monday as his wife f...
A sailor who tested positive for coronavirus while aboard the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt died in Guam on Monday as his wife flew 6,200 miles from her San Diego military base to be by his bedside at his final moments.
In a statement, the Navy said Aviation Ordnanceman Chief Petty Officer Charles Robert Thacker Jr., 41, of Fort Smith, Arkansas, died on April 13 at the US Naval Hospital in Guam of COVID-19, the illness caused by the novel coronavirus.
Symantha Thacker, an active-duty service member stationed in San Diego, flew to Guam to be by her husband's side, the Navy said.
He died 11 days after his captain, Brett Crozier, was fired for pressing the Navy to take greater action to safeguard his crew from the virus.
A photo provided by the US Navy shows Chief Petty Officer Charles Robert Thacker Jr., 41, of Fort Smith, Arkansas, assigned to the USS Theodore Roosevelt, who died from the coronavirus on Monday at US Naval Hospital Guam
Symantha Thacker, an active-duty service member stationed in San Diego, flew to Guam to be by her husband's side, the Navy said
The couple (pictured in the above undated file photo) have two children
Thacker was the first active-duty military member to die of COVID-19.
The new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms for most people.
For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness or death.
Thacker had tested positive for the coronavirus on March 30 and was taken off the ship and placed in 'isolation housing' along with four other sailors at the Guam Navy hospital.
He tested positive the same day that a letter written by the ship's captain begging the Navy high command to evacuate the virus-stricken vessel leaked to the press.
On April 9, Thacker was found unresponsive during a medical check and was moved to the Navy Hospital's intensive care unit.
Thacker enlisted in the Navy in December 1997, according to Stars and Stripes.
In the first half of 2016, he served on the Roosevelt.
Thacker went on to complete deployments on the USS George Washington, the USS Ronald Reagan, and the USS Constellation.
Thacker (seen right with his wife and two children) enlisted in the Navy in 1997
Thacker was an aviation ordnanceman, whose job it was to maintain weapons on board including guns, torpedoes, missiles, and bombs
The Navy released a statement saying Symantha flew 6,100 miles from San Diego to be at her husband's bedside when he passed away
Thacker’s service awards include the Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist badge, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.
'Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time,' Captain Carlos Sardiello, the Roosevelt's commanding officer, said in a statement released by the Navy.
'Our number one priority continues to be the health and well-being of all members of the Theodore Roosevelt Strike Group and we remain steadfast in our resolve against the spread of this virus.'
Thacker's representatives in Congress paid tribute to the sailor on Thursday.
'Today, Fort Smith and the State of Arkansas mourn the passing of a brave patriot and sailor,' said US House Rep. Steve Womack, who represents Arkansas' third congressional district.
'Chief Petty Officer Charles Robert Thacker, Jr. defended our nation and upheld his duty to serve and protect freedom.
'This is a great loss against an unprecedented enemy, and we must continue to amplify resources on all levels to defeat this virus and safeguard personnel.
'My deepest condolences go out to the Thacker family, his loved ones, and fellow service members.
'Though no words can heal the pain, our community sends prayers of comfort and strength during this time.'
'Chief Petty Officer Charles Thacker, Jr. honorably served our country in uniform,' Senator John Boozman said.
'His dedication to our nation was perhaps only surpassed by the tremendous love he had for his dear family.
Thacker's representatives in Congress paid tribute to the Arkansas native on Thursday
Thacker is the first active-duty service member to die of COVID-19, according to the military
'Petty Officer Thacker’s appreciation for the special things in life – particularly his loved ones and passions – reminds us how precious time really is and how this virus poses a threat to all of us, even the warriors dedicated to defending America.
'My thoughts and prayers are with the Thacker family and all who counted Petty Officer Thacker as a friend or loved one.
'We honor his life and service in uniform, and pledge to keep this proud son of Arkansas’s legacy alive in the years to come.'
'I’m saddened to hear of the passing of Chief Petty Officer Charles Thacker, Jr,' Senator Tom Cotton said.
'His service to the country has earned my utmost gratitude, and my deepest condolences go to his family, friends, and crewmates.'
The death was the first, and so far the only, among the crew of about 4,860, of which 585 had tested positive for coronavirus as of Monday.
The Roosevelt had been in a coronavirus crisis that prompted the Navy's civilian leader, Thomas Modly, to fire the ship's captain on April 2.
Five days later - after having flown to the ship and delivering a speech in which he insulted the skipper, Capt. Brett E. Crozier, and criticizing the crew for supporting Crozier - Modly resigned.
Modly said he felt compelled to remove Crozier from command because he had distributed too widely via email a letter in which he called for more urgent Navy action to prevent a deeper coronavirus crisis aboard his ship.
Crozier's words angered Modly but were seen by others as necessary.
Crozier received cheers and chants of 'Captain Crozier' from the crew as he left the ship.
He later tested positive for COVID-19.