US Navy officer dies by apparent suicide aboard his docked combat ship

A 44-year-old US Navy officer and father of two who was second-in-command of a small warship has reportedly taken his own life aboard the vessel while docked in Cleveland.

Cmdr. Jonathan Volkle, the executive officer of the littoral combat ship USS Marinette, was “found unresponsive and later pronounced deceased” on Oct. 27, USNI News reported, citing the US Surface Force Atlantic.

“Our thoughts go out to the Volkle’s family during this incredibly difficult period, and we would ask their privacy be respected,” the statement reads.

“Littoral Combat Ship Squadron (LCSRON) 2 is providing chaplain and mental health support to the ship’s crew. Cmdr. Janet Brooms will be assigned as executive officer,” it adds.

Volkle’s death is still being investigated but two defense officials told USNI News that an initial report said he died by suicide.

The late commander enlisted in early 2007 and was later commissioned after attending officer candidate school, according to his Navy bio.

A career surface warfare officer, he served aboard the guided-missile frigate USS Kauffman, and guided-missile destroyers USS John McCain and USS Fitzgerald.

He commanded the Avenger-class mine countermeasure ship USS Patriot.

Ashore, he served at Naval Surface Force Pacific, Japan-based Destroyer Squadron 15 and Littoral Combat Squadron 2.

In September 2022, Volkle reported to the USS Marinette, which was commissioned in September 2023.

Littoral combat ships are relatively small vessels designed to operate near shore.

It set sail for its homeport of Mayport, Florida, but got stuck in the Great Lakes due to the St. Lawrence Seaway workers strike, Military.com reported.

Volkle’s decorations included the Meritorious Service Medal, three awards of the Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal and two awards of the Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal.

​Volkle is survived by his wife, Kaori Kato Volkle, his sons Bruno and Nino, and his parents, Skip Volkle and Louise Volkle, according to his obituary.

“The entire Japan Maritime Self Defense Force greatly respected John,” one person wrote in the online guestbook.

“They respected John not only because of his Japanese fluency but because he understood their perspective and was able to accurately voice their opinion to the US Navy. Language is a difficult skill to obtain, but it takes a great level of compassion to be able to speak like John,” the message added.

If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or are experiencing a mental health crisis and live in New York City, you can call 1-888-NYC-WELL for free and confidential crisis counseling. If you live outside the five boroughs, you can dial the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention hotline at 988 or go to SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.