The seven sailors killed onboard the guided-missile destroyer Fitzgerald have been honored with posthumous advancements, the chief of naval personnel announced.

The advancements are symbolic and intended to honor the deceased. The gesture extends to the titles, but does not reflect any alteration in benefits.  

The seven died after the Fitzgerald collided with the Philippine-flagged merchant vessel ACX Crystal on June 17. Their remains were located the following day when the ship made it to port and divers were able to access the damaged spaces.

News reports in July reported that preliminary findings of the investigation showed the accident to be the Navy’s fault, though officials declined to discuss the incident at the time

Here’s a list of the posthumous advancements:

Gunner’s Mate Seaman Dakota Kyle Rigsby, 19, from Palmyra, Virginia, was posthumously advanced to petty officer 3rd class.

Yeoman 3rd Class (frocked) Shingo Alexander Douglass, 25, from San Diego, California, was permanently advanced to petty officer 3rd class.

Sonar Technician 3rd Class (frocked) Ngoc T. Truong Huynh, 25, from Oakville, Connecticut, was posthumously advanced to petty officer 3nd class.

Gunner’s Mate 2nd Class Noe Hernandez, 26, from Weslaco, Texas, was posthumously advanced to petty officer 1st class.

Fire Controlman 2nd Class Carlos Victor Ganzon Sibayan, 23, from Chula Vista, California, was posthumously advanced to petty officer 1st class.

Personnel Specialist 1st Class (frocked) Xavier Alec Martin, 24, from Halethorpe, Maryland, was permanently advanced to first class petty officer.

Fire Controlman 1st Class Gary Leo Rehm Jr., 37, from Elyria, Ohio, was posthumously advanced to chief petty officer.

Mark D. Faram is a former reporter for Navy Times. He was a senior writer covering personnel, cultural and historical issues. A nine-year active duty Navy veteran, Faram served from 1978 to 1987 as a Navy Diver and photographer.

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