A Black US Navy sailor was stunned to find a noose left on his bed by a fellow serviceman who claimed it was a "joke".

Per The San Diego Union-Tribune, the incident happened on board the guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Champlain last week.

A Navy official with knowledge of the incident has since confirmed that a San Diego-based sailor is under now investigation.

He has since been removed from the ship, which left the area on Monday (February 1).

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A Navy Surface Forces Pacific spokeswoman cited an ongoing investigation when she confirmed in a written statement that the object found did resemble a noose.

However, she declined to comment on any more specific details about the case.

"NCIS is investigating an incident aboard USS Lake Champlain (CG 57) where an object resembling a noose was found in a berthing area," said Cmdr. Nicole Schwegman.

"The Navy takes all allegations of Sailor misconduct and racial discrimination seriously. Due to the ongoing investigation, we will not provide further comment."

Berthings on ships contain multiple beds, the news outlet added.

According to a Navy official not authorized to comment on the investigation, the Black sailor found the item resembling a noose on his bed on January 26.

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The leadership onboard the ship had already begun its investigation to the incident when the Navy Criminal Investigative Service received an anonymous tip and began to investigate too, the official added.

The investigation delayed a planned underway period for the Lake Champlain by several days.

However, as of Tuesday (February 2), no charges had been filed as a result of the incident.

The San Diego Union-Tribune reports that news of the alleged racist attack comes as the navy is about to publish its report on race, diversity, and inclusion among its sailors.

The study was launched as a result of the Black Lives Matter protests which took place across the world in the wake of the death of George Floyd.

Black US Navy sailor finds noose left on his bed by fellow serviceman in racist 'joke'