Mitchell, Sarah Joy

Sarah Joy Mitchell, a 23-year-old from Oakford, Pennsylvania, was a Lieutenant (junior grade) in the United States Navy. She served as a surface warfare officer aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS *Jason Dunham* (DDG 109). The ship was forward-deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations, which includes the Middle East.

Mitchell died on July 8, 2018, in the Jordanian port city of Aqaba. According to U.S. Navy statements, she was killed in a non-combat incident while the ship was in port. The Navy's investigation reportedly concluded she died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Her death occurred during Operation Inherent Resolve, the U.S.-led military intervention against the Islamic State (ISIS) in Iraq and Syria, which began in August 2014. The USS *Jason Dunham* was part of the naval support for the campaign, conducting maritime security operations and providing a platform for potential strikes.

The Navy announced her death two days later. Her remains were returned to the United States, and she was buried at Arlington National Cemetery. Her death was noted in the Pentagon's official casualty lists for the operation.

Mitchell was one of 107 U.S. service members killed during Operation Inherent Resolve as of late 2018. She is memorialized on the ship's plaque and in the Navy's official records of the fallen.

Sarah Joy Mitchell was killed during Operation Inherent Resolve (ongoing since August 2014). See the full roster of those killed in this conflict.

Among those documented in the same conflict: Villotcarrasco, Yeshabel, Spears, Jordan Lee, Walker, Jonathan Doyle, Neal, Sean Patrick.

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