USS Harry S Truman Commander Dies Suddenly

The Commanding officer of the aircraft carrier, USS Harry S Truman, died suddenly Tuesday morning, according to an announcement from the US Navy.

The forty nine year-old India born Capt. Tushar R. Tembe had assumed command of the Truman just three months ago.

According to Naval air Force Atlantic, Tembe was disembarking the ship - which was moored at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, Virginia- when he collapsed. The ship’s onboard medical response team provided emergency medical response to him before he could be air lifted to the Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center in Virginia where he was later pronounced dead.

In a statement released Thursday, the Navy offered public condolences to Tembe’s family and included that the cause of death has not been determined.

Tembe was born in Bombay and came to the U.S. as a child and attended Texas Tech University. After earning his wings he flew a variety of aircraft  and held command of the Strike Fighter Squadron 86 at Naval Air Station Oceana, Va. and the amphibious transport dock ship, Nashville.

The USS Harry Truman’s executive officer, Capt. Craig Clapperton has temporarily assumed command.

The ship remains in Norfolk Naval Shipyard where it is undergoing repairs.