NORFOLK, Va. — A Sailor assigned to the Norfolk-based USS Wasp (LHD 1) has died from COVID-related complications, the Navy announced Friday.
The sailor has been identified as Aviation Support Equipment Technician 1st Class Marcglenn L. Orcullo, 42, of Hawaii.
According to a news release from Expeditionary Strike Group 2, Orcullo was admitted to Sentara Princess Anne Hospital on January 17, and later transferred to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital on January 29.
Orcullo died on Friday.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and coworkers of Petty Officer Orcullo during this extremely difficult time, and we ask that their privacy be respected," ESG 2 said in its announcement.
USS Wasp crewmembers are supported by chaplains, embedded mental health specialists, and counselors.
Tuesday, Rear Adm. Robert Katz, who is the commander of ESG 2, sent out a statement on Orcullo's death, and how the Wasp would respond to COVID-19 going foward.
“We were deeply saddened by the passing of Aviation Support Equipment Technician 1st Class Marcglenn L. Orcullo, a USS Wasp Sailor who died of COVID-related complications last week. A true ‘amphib Sailor,’ Orcullo served with distinction aboard two amphibious warships- the USS Bataan as well as the Wasp. His commitment to this country was evident through his service as well as his decision to become a U.S. citizen by naturalization, and we are indebted to his family for his service.
The battle against COVID is not over, and it is imperative all of us, especially those who live and work in the close-quarters of the shipboard environment, continue to practice the CDC and DoD measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Aboard Wasp, just as with all of our ships, we implore our Sailors and civilian workers to minimize contact with others, clean often, wear your masks, and educate yourself about the COVID-19 vaccine using credible sources to make an informed choice when it is your turn to opt-in for vaccination. We can only get through this together— this is an all-hands evolution.”