SHARE

Connecticut Sailor Died On USS Fitzgerald; Flags Lowered To Half-Staff

Connecticut is mourning the death of U.S. Navy Sonar Technician 3rd Class Ngoc T. Truong Huynh of the Oakville section of Watertown, who was among those who died on board the USS Fitzgerald in a collision in Japan.

Flags are flying at half-staff in Connecticut after the death of Navy Sonar Technician 3rd Class Ngoc T. Truong Huynh. He was 25.

Flags are flying at half-staff in Connecticut after the death of Navy Sonar Technician 3rd Class Ngoc T. Truong Huynh. He was 25.

Photo Credit: File

The news of his death was announced Sunday by the U.S. Department of the Navy.

Gov. Dannel Malloy is directing U.S. and state flags in Connecticut to fly at half-staff beginning Sunday in honor of Huynh, who was 25.

Flags will remain at half-staff until burial or memorial services are held, the details of which are forthcoming. All other flags should also be lowered.

"The members of the military and their families make so many sacrifices to serve our nation, and today is a sad and tragic reminder of what these men and women risk in defense of our nation every day," Malloy said. "Our state and our nation are in mourning for all of those who lost loved ones onboard the USS Fitzgerald. ... We pray for a safe homecoming for all of our troops who are stationed around the world, and thank them for their bravery and service."

Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman said, "This is devastating news for the families and friends of the seven sailors we lost, for Connecticut, and the nation. Today's tragedy reminds us in the starkest terms what an enormous sacrifice our military men and women and their families make in service to our nation. We are deeply grateful for their courage and commitment. Our hearts are with Ngoc Truong Huynh's family as they grieve, and the other families who lost loved ones."

U.S. Rep. Elizabeth Esty‏ said, "This young sailor's death is a reminder of the risks our brave military men and women face each and every day. We mourn with his family and thank them for his service and sacrifice."

Seven sailors were killed in Friday's collision between USS Fitzgerald and a commercial container ship in Japan.

The remains of the seven sailors were located in flooded berthing compartments.

In addition to Huynh, the deceased are:

  • Gunner's Mate Seaman Dakota Kyle Rigsby, 19, from Palmyra, Va.
  • Yeoman 3rd Class Shingo Alexander Douglass, 25, from San Diego
  • Gunner's Mate 2nd Class Noe Hernandez, 26, from Weslaco, Texas
  • Fire Controlman 2nd Class Carlos Victor Ganzon Sibayan, 23, from Chula Vista, Calif.
  • Personnel Specialist 1st Class Xavier Alec Martin, 24, from Halethorpe, Md.
  • Fire Controlman 1st Class Gary Leo Rehm Jr., 37, from Elyria, Ohio

The incident is currently under investigation.

to follow Daily Voice Stamford and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE