ATLANTIC OCEAN - Sonar Technician (Surface) 3rd Class Nicholas Woods, 27, a Sailor assigned to the guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55), died Thursday, Aug. 18, aboard the ship at sea.
"The loss of a friend or loved one is always tragic, and even more so when they are young, dedicated to service, and sailing into harm's way. Sonar Technician Surface 3rd Class Nicholas Woods was one of those young people," said Capt. Michael Weeldreyer, commanding officer of USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55). "My deepest condolences and prayers are with his family and friends. He was an important part of the Leyte Gulf family, and we will ensure that the family and our Sailors have all available resources and support as they navigate this difficult time."
Leyte Gulf recently deployed with the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group. Chaplains and additional resources from across the strike group are providing a variety of support services to the crew to include individual counseling and support groups. Additionally, Sailors have been notified of additional resources available to them.
Woods, a native of Virginia, joined the Navy in 2020. After his initial recruit training, he attended Surface Combat Systems Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois and San Diego, before reporting aboard Leyte Gulf in Aug. 2021.
The official cause of death is still pending.
