The body of a San Diego-based U.S. Navy sailor killed in the deadly USS Fitzgerald collision off the coast of Japan was returned home in an emotional ceremony Friday.
Shingo Douglass, 25, was one of seven sailors killed when USS Fitzgerald collided with a merchant ship off the coast of Japan two weeks ago.
On Friday night, hundreds of Patriot Guard Riders escorted the remains of Douglass to El Camino Memorial Park in Sorrento Valley.
For the group, it was an honor.
"What makes it special is the fact that we get the privilege to come out here and honor our heroes," said Lorenzo Lizarraga, captain of the Patriot Guard Riders.
The group’s mission is to attend the funeral services of fallen American heroes to pay respect to their families.
Gunny Donor, the Southern California state captain of the Patriot Guard Riders, has been part of the organization since 2002. He told NBC 7 the group remembers every single family they have served.
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Douglass will not be any different.
The fallen sailor was born at the U.S. Naval Hospital on Okinawa and went back to Japan every year. He learned to speak Japanese fluently.
His father, a decorated U.S. Marine, was proud to have his son report for duty aboard the USS Fitzgerald.
Shingo is described as a beloved son, brother, grandson and friend who loved the U.S. Navy. His burial is scheduled for July 7 at Miramar National Cemetery in San Diego.
