Female Navy soldier, 19, dead after she was found shot on board aircraft carrier

A 19-year-old female sailor was found shot and mortally wounded aboard the Amphibious Assault Ship Essex Thursday morning, the Navy said.

The woman, whose name was withheld while her family was informed of her death, was taken to UC San Diego’s trauma center where she was later pronounced dead, Navy spokesman Rick Chernitzer said. A formal investigation is being conducted, Chernitzer added.

The Navy has not said whether the wound was self-inflicted, or if any suspects are in custody.

“Since an investigation is being conducted, it would be inappropriate for me to speculate on anything,” Chernitzer said. “The Navy family is greatly saddened by the loss of our sailor, and our thoughts go out to the family, friends and shipmates.”