Washington (CNN) The US Navy confirmed to CNN on Tuesday that three sailors assigned to the USS George H. W. Bush aircraft carrier off the coast of Virginia died by suicide in "separate incidents" last week and has launched an investigation into their deaths.

Aviation Ordnanceman First Class Vincent Forline was found dead at an off-base location on September 14 and died by suicide, Jennifer Cragg, a spokeswoman for Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic said on Tuesday. Chief Electronics Technician Nuclear James Shelton and Airman Ethan Stuart were found dead from self-inflicted gunshot wounds in "separate incidents" at off-base locations on September 19, Cragg also said.

The deaths do not appear to be connected and the sailors did not work in the same departments. Portsmouth and Norfolk, Virginia, authorities along with assistance from Naval Criminal Investigative Service are investigating the deaths. Criminal activity is not suspected in the deaths.

The investigation was first reported by the Navy Times

"Every death of a Sailor is devastating and affects our entire Navy Family. Our thoughts and condolences are with the family, friends, and shipmates of the Sailors," said Jennifer Cragg, a spokeswoman for Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic. "As a crew and as a family they are grieving; they are supporting each other, and are comforting those in need."

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