YOKOSUKA, Japan -- Thirty-six Sailors, who distinguished themselves for their bravery and contributions to damage control efforts aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62), were recognized at a ceremony Oct. 20.
Vice Adm. Phil Sawyer, commander, U.S. 7th Fleet awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal to 36 members of the Fitzgerald crew and a Flag Letter of Commendation to the ship’s two ombudsmen for their support to families.
The Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal is awarded to service members who distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or meritorious service.
Following the collision, which claimed the lives of seven Fitzgerald Sailors, the crew fought back against progressive flooding across 19 spaces for more than 16 consecutive hours. Facing constant peril from flooding, electrocution, structural damage, and noxious fumes, these Sailors prevented further loss of life and ultimately saved the ship.
The list of personnel receiving awards is as follows:
Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal
Sonar Technician (Surface) First Class Alexander R. Vaughn (Surface Warfare)
Fire Controlman Second Class Johsua E. Tapia (Surface Warfare)
Lieutenant Junior Grade Stephany M. Breau
Lieutenant Junior Grade Heather A. Bui
Ensign Joseph A. White
(Gold star in lieu of third award) Senior Chief Gunner’s Mate Christopher Perez (Surface Warfare/Expeditionary Warfare)
(Gold star in lieu of second award) Chief Fire Controlman Travius L. Caldwell (Surface Warfare)
Chief Gunner’s Mate Jared B. Ogilvie (Surface Warfare/Expeditionary Warfare)
Damage Controlman First Class Emanuel Ascensio (Surface Warfare/Aviation Warfare)
Quartermaster First Class Carlos G. Clark (Surface Warfare)
Hull Maintenance Technician First Class Lucas W. Giles (Surface Warfare)
Damage Controlman Second Class Sabria D. Greaves (Surface Warfare)
Machinery Repairman Second Class Darion L. Hunter (Surface Warfare)
Damage Controlman Second Class David J. Marnien (Surface Warfare)
Electronics Technician Second Class Joshua A. Mason (Surface Warfare)
Machinist’s Mate Second Class Sanerive J. Meredith (Surface Warfare)
Fire Controlman Second Class Jackson T. Schrimsher (Surface Warfare)
Operations Specialist Second Class Matthew H. Stawecki (Surface Warfare)
Fire Controlman Second Class Romel A. Wade (Surface Warfare)
Damage Controlman Second Class Rebekah Wilson (Surface Warfare)
Hull Maintenance Technician Third Class Aaron R. Aurelio
Culinary Specialist Third Class Danya A. Cribbs
Electrician’s Mate Third Class Samuel A. Hill (Surface Warfare)
Hull Maintenance Technician Third Class Nathan W. Lauritzen
Damage Controlman Third Class Joshua H. Rodriguez
Damage Controlman Third Class Louis B. Simeone (Surface Warfare)
Damage Controlman Third Class Ryan P. Sorensen
Hospitalman Gaylord M. Lawrence
Fireman Matthew J. Mugg
Fireman Tyler D. Perkey
Fireman James A. Strickland
Flag Letter of Commendation
Garrett Zopfi
Kumi Bergstraser
The Navy has awarded a contract to move Fitzgerald via a heavy-lift vessel to Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) in Pascagoula, Mississippi, for restoration.
Fitzgerald was involved in a collision with the merchant vessel ACX Crystal on June 17.