Missing Navy sailor found hiding on ship transferred to brig

Putnam County sailor held on possible court-martial charges, Navy says

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A U.S. Navy sailor from Putnam County, who was found hiding in an engine room after being presumed dead following a 50-hour search in Japan's southern waters, has been transferred to the brig as he awaits possible court-martial charges, the Navy confirmed Thursday.

Peter Mims, of Interlachen, was believed to have fallen into the sea from the guided-missile cruiser USS Shiloh during routine operations about 180 miles east of Okinawa, and was presumed dead after a massive search-and-rescue effort failed to find him.

But Mims, a turbine technician, was found alive, hiding onboard the ship. 

The Navy said Thursday that it is investigating the circumstances surrounding Mims' disappearance and that the investigation is expected to last until mid to late summer.

"We do not know all the details and motivations behind this sailor's week-long disappearance," Navy spokesman Lt. Cmdr. Matt Knight wrote in an email. "This matter remains under investigation, but early indications are that he had taken steps to avoid being found by other sailors who were actively attempting to locate him. "

Mims was flown off the Shiloh for an evaluation and interviews with investigators on the USS Ronald Reagan before he was moved Wednesday to the brig at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego.

Mims graduated from Interlachen High School in 2013 and enlisted in the Navy in 2014, reporting to the Shiloh in August that year. He has earned a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and was promoted to 3rd class in May.