U.S. Sailor Gives Birth On Aircraft Carrier After Reporting Pains

A U.S. aircraft carrier welcomed a new crew member on Sunday: a 7-pound baby girl.

A sailor unexpectedly gave birth aboard the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower in the Persian Gulf after experiencing abdominal pain Commander Bill Urban, a Navy spokesman, said in a statement.

“The Sailor, assigned to Carrier Airwing Three, complained of abdominal pain and was admitted to the ship’s medical department, where she later gave birth to a baby girl,” Urban said in the statement.

He added that both the mom and baby are “healthy and are doing well” and have been transported by helicopter to a hospital in Bahrain where they will receive additional care.

ABC News reported that the sailor said she did not know that she was pregnant. Lt. Ian McConnaughey, also a Navy spokesman, confirmed to The Huffington Post that the sailor did not report being pregnant and that her chain of command was also unaware.

Expectant mothers are required to self-report pregnancies within two weeks of their confirmation from a medical care provider, the Virginia Pilot reported citing Navy Personnel Command.

The new mom has not been identified.

Urban, speaking to ABC News, said the aircraft’s medical department was well equipped for such a delivery, even if it was a total surprise.

“The family practitioner aboard [the carrier], who delivered the baby, is certified in child birth and has experience delivering babies,” he told the network. “A number of personnel assigned to [the] medical department have received training to deliver and care for a newborn.”

Urban said the aircraft carrier is in the Gulf to support Operation Inherent Resolve, which is working to defeat the so-called Islamic State.