Flags Flying At Half-Staff In Honor Of CT Sailor Killed On USS John McCain

U.S. and state flags in Connecticut are ordered to fly at half-staff in honor of U.S. Navy Electronics Technician 3rd Class Dustin Louis Doyon, 26, of Suffield, who was among those who died onboard the USS John S. McCain when it collided with a merchant vessel near Singapore.

Dustin Doyon of Suffield was killed in a collision of the USS John McCain and an oil tanker.
Photo Credit: *Facebook*

Karen Tensa

08/25/2017 12:00 p.m.

“It is with tremendous sadness that we mourn the loss of Petty Officer Doyon and his fellow shipmates, who gave their lives serving our nation,” Gov. Dannel Malloy said Friday. “Petty Officer Doyon is an American hero who represented the best of Connecticut and the United States. This loss reminds us of the dangers faced day and night by the men and women of our military who are stationed overseas.

"Our hearts are with his family and friends during this difficult time – they should know how incredibly proud the people of Connecticut are of his service to our country.”

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

“I join the Doyon family and friends in mourning Petty Officer Doyon and his shipmates lost aboard the USS John S. McCain,” Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman said. “They made the extraordinary choice to serve our nation, and we are deeply grateful for their selflessness and sacrifice. We hold the Doyon family in our thoughts as they endure this terrible time and tragedy.”

U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal called for an investigation into the deadly collision.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the Doyon family as this tragic search continues," Blumenthal said. "The Navy owes the family and our nation a swift and thorough investigation to determine how this could have happened and how to prevent future tragedy—the fourth major accident at sea this year and the second involving a Connecticut sailor."

In June, Ngoc T. Truong Huynh of Watertown was one of seven sailors killed when the USS Fitzgerald collided with a container ship off Japan.

"As a member of the Armed Services Committee, I will be asking Chairman McCain and Ranking Member Reed to hold a hearing on the Navy's measures to investigate and correct the serious deficiencies that contributed to these collisions,” Blumenthal said.

U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy said, "Dustin is a patriot and a hero. My prayers are with the Doyon family.”

Click here to follow Daily Voice Shelton and receive free news updates.