A U.S. Navy sailor was found on his ship in the South China Sea after he went missing for a week and was assumed to have gone overboard.
Gas Turbine Systems Technician 3rd Class Peter Mims was transferred from the USS Shiloh to the USS Ronald Reagan for medical evaluation after he was discovered June 15, said a Navy statement. He had been missing since June 8.
The U.S. Navy, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, and Japan Coast Guard assets spent more than 50 hours in a comprehensive search that covered roughly 5,500 square miles of the Philippine Sea. The sailor was found hiding in the ship's engine room.
The Navy said the circumstances surrounding Mims' disappearance are under investigation and a recommendation for care will be made after his medical evaluation.
"We are thankful to have found our missing shipmate and appreciate all the hard work of our Sailors and Japanese partners in searching for him," Rear Adm. Charles Williams, commander, Carrier Strike Group 5 and Task Force 70, said in the Navy statement. "I am relieved that this Sailor’s family will not be joining the ranks of Gold Star Families that have sacrificed so much for our country."
Mims' sister, Amy James, told WJAX-TV the family was relieved the sailor was found.
"I would love to go see him and wrap my arms around him and never let go," said James, who declined to comment on her brother's mental or physical health. "He's alive — just wants his rest and privacy."
Mims' ex-wife, Mikey Mims, told the television station her former husband's actions were a mystery.
"I thought Peter could have never disappeared," she said.
According to the Navy Times, Mims enlisted in the Navy in February 2014 and reported to Shiloh in August 2016. He was promoted to petty officer third class in August 2015, earned the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Navy Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon, and Sea Service Ribbon.
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