The family of a San Diego sailor killed in when USS Fitzgerald collided off the coast of Japan said they will miss their beloved brother, son and friend more than words can express.
"We loved him very much and his parents and younger brother will miss him more than words can express," said the family of Yeoman 3rd Class, Shingo Alexander Douglass, 25, in a statement.
Douglass was one of two local sailors identified as San Diego natives. The second, Fire Controlman 2nd Class Carlos Victor Ganzon Sibayan, 23, is from Chula Vista. Seven bodies were found when the destroyer collided with a cargo ship.
Douglass' family described him as a beloved son, brother, grandson and friend who loved the U.S. Navy was was proud to be a part of the USS Fitzgerald crew.
"Shingo was an adventurous young man. He loved to travel, was a certified scuba diver and a Black Belt in karate and played tennis. He was also an avid gamer, studied computer game design and loved to attend Comic Con," continued the statement.
They said Shingo was proud of his Japanese and military family background. He was born at the naval hospital in Okinawa and spent many summers as a boy in Japan, where to learned how to speak Japanese fluently.
He was "thrilled" to go back to Japan in 2014, while reporting for duty to USS Fitzgerald, said the statement. He proudly served his nation.
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"We would also like to commend the crew of USS Fitzgerald for the heroic efforts to save the ship and many lives," the statement from the family read. "We know now why Shingo was proud to serve with you."
The family thanked the community for strong displays of support.
"We would like to thank the San Diego, Navy/Marine Corps and Japanese communities for the outpouring of prayers and support we've received the past few days. You've made a difficult time a little bit easier," said the statement.
