DETROIT – The U.S. Navy has identified the remains of a Michigan woman's son who was onboard the USS John S. McCain when it collided with an oil tanker Monday near Singapore.
Divers found the remains of electronics technician 3rd class (ET3) Kenneth Aaron Smith, 22, of New Jersey. Smith's mother, April Brandon, lives in Milford, Mich.
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On behalf of the entire Smith family, Smith's father Darryl Smith released this statement:
On behalf of my entire family, I want to thank all those who have extended their condolences, sympathy and prayers during this very difficult time.
Kenneth was a great young man, son, and Sailor. He truly loved his family, the Navy, and his shipmates. I am incredibly proud of his service to our country. He will be greatly missed and I am thankful we had 22 wonderful years together.
As we mourn Kenneth, we would like to recognize and thank so many people for their efforts and support, especially the brave crew of USS John S. McCain, and all the search and rescue personnel who are still hard at work with a difficult task.
We would also like to thank the Township of Cherry Hill, the Cherry Hill Police Department and the U.S. Navy for their support and assistance.
Most important we ask you to keep in your thoughts and prayers all the families and friends of those affected by this tragedy.
As you can imagine, this is a very difficult time for our family and I respectfully request that you allow us to grieve in private.
Thank you.
The Smith Family
Smith enlisted with the Navy in May 2014. He received his ET3 ranking on June 16, 2015. While in service he received three awards and decorations:
- National Defense Service Medal
- Sea Service Deployment Ribbon
- Navy Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon
9 sailors remain missing
The Navy has suspended its ocean search for the remaining sailors. The following nine sailors remain missing after the collision:
- Electronics Technician 1st Class Charles Nathan Findley, 31, from Missouri
- Interior Communications Electrician 1st Class Abraham Lopez, 39, from Texas
- Electronics Technician 2nd Class Kevin Sayer Bushell, 26, from Maryland
- Electronics Technician 2nd Class Jacob Daniel Drake, 21, from Ohio
- Information Systems Technician 2nd Class Timothy Thomas Eckels Jr., 23, from Maryland
- Information Systems Technician 2nd Class Corey George Ingram, 28, from New York
- Electronics Technician 3rd Class Dustin Louis Doyon, 26, from Connecticut
- Electronics Technician 3rd Class John Henry Hoagland III, 20, from Texas
- Interior Communications Electrician 3rd Class Logan Stephen Palmer, 23, from Illinois
The collision remains under investigation.
Community gathers to support mother of sailor
On Wednesday night, friends and strangers gathered in Milford's Central Park to let Smith's mother know that their love and prayers are going out to her.
"My heart goes out to them," Dave Frederickson said. "I didn't know them, but we're all brothers in arms and shipmates."
Sharon Peterson-Moshenko organized the candlelight vigil. Her sons are Navy veterans.
"It's just something that spoke to my heart," Peterson-Moshenko said.
After prayers and the singing of Amazing Grace, Brandon was presented with a prayer quilt. The Milford community wanted her to know they are thinking about her.
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