YOKOSUKA, Japan (WAVY) — Two Navy sailors assigned to aircraft carrier USS George Washington died shortly after arriving in Yokosuka, Japan according to the U.S. Navy.
The sailors identified as Petty Officer Second Class Cuyler Condon, 24, and Seaman Dimitri Isacc Morale, 20, died in separate incidents on Nov. 22 and Nov. 25 respectively.
While Naval Criminal Investigation Service (NCIS) is investigating both deaths, the more than 5,000 sailors are now barred from consuming alcohol until further notice.
A Navy spokesperson couldn’t speak to if alcohol had a role in the deaths.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with USS George Washington’s crewmembers and families following the loss of our Sailors,” a spokesperson from the Navy said. “Grief counseling and support services are available as we focus on providing appropriate resources following the ship’s arrival to Japan.”
USS George Washington arrived at United States Fleet Activities Yokosuka on Friday Nov. 22, relieving USS Ronald Reagan.
Condon was found unresponsive in an on-base hotel room that same day.
An electrician’s mate from Texas, Condon was part of a group sent to Japan ahead of the George Washington’s arrival, according to a spokesperson.
Morales, an electrician’s mate fireman from New Jersey, was found unresponsive off base in Yokosuka on Nov. 25.
“Local emergency responders declared him deceased,” the spokesperson said “NCIS is coordinating with local Japanese authorities’ investigation into the circumstances of the death.”
Alexander Morales, Demitri’s older brother, said the family is waiting for answers but has been told the sailors body could be sent back to New Jersey sometime next week.
“When (Demitri) got into the Navy he took some time to adjust but once he did he really ended up enjoying it,” Alexander Marales said.
NBC News spoke with Morales’ family members in New Jersey who said they are waiting for answers. His mother shared with the news agency that she does not believe he died by suicide.
USS George Washington left Norfolk on April 25 after spending six years in Hampton Roads at Newport News Shipbuilding undergoing maintenance.
Between April 2021 and April 2022, five sailors assigned to the ship died by suicide. Three occurred in the same week.
Meanwhile, the restrictions on alcohol have arisen following fights between sailors in Yokosuka.
“Due to liberty incidents that have occurred both prior to ship’s arrival, and since the return, the command has extended liberty policies that were already in place and also restricted the consumption of alcohol for service members assigned to the crew as part of ongoing efforts to ensure liberty for Sailors and maintain our strong relationship with Japan,” the spokesperson said.
Those restrictions reportedly went into effect on Nov. 26, with no determined end date at this time.
Continue to check WAVY.com for updates.