Governor Dannel P. Malloy on Monday, June 19, directed US and state flags in Connecticut to fly at half-staff beginning immediately in honor of US Navy Sonar Technician 3rd Class Ngoc T. Truong Huynh of Oakville, who was among those who died on board the USS Fitzgerald in a collision in Japan.Fitzgerald, including Sonar Technician 3rd Class Ngoc T. Truong Huynh from Connecticut. 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."Fitzgerald collided with a merchant ship 56 nautical miles southwest of Yokosuka, Japan, a city south of Tokyo that is home to a US Naval base.

Flags will remain at half-staff until burial or memorial services are held, the details of which are forthcoming.

Accordingly, since no flag should fly higher than the US flag, all other flags, including state, municipal, corporate, or otherwise, should also be lowered during this same duration of time.

"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," Gov Malloy said. "Our state and our nation are in mourning for all of those who lost loved ones onboard the USS

"This is devastating news for the families and friends of the seven sailors we lost, for Connecticut, and the nation," Lt Governor Nancy Wyman said. "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."

According to the Associated Press, the US Navy destroyer collided with a merchant ship off the coast of Japan early Saturday morning.

Vice Admiral Aucoin, the commander of the Navy's 7th Fleet, told the AP that much of the crew of about 300 was asleep when the collision happened at 2:20 am Saturday, June 17, and that one machinery room and two berthing areas for 116 crew members were severely damaged.

The Navy said that the USS

The Pacific Fleet said the extent of injuries and damage to the Fitzgerald were "being determined,'' and the incident is under investigation.

The search for seven US Navy sailors missing after the collision was called off on Sunday after several bodies were found in the ship's flooded compartments, including sleeping quarters.