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Remains Of NJ Sailor Recovered Following USS John McCain Collision

CHERRY HILL, N.J. (CBS) -- The U.S. Navy has confirmed that the remains of one of nine missing sailors aboard the USS John S. McCain have been recovered.

The U.S. Navy says the remains of 22-year old Kenneth Aaron Smith were recovered by divers inside a flooded compartment of the of the ship.

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The Cherry Hill, New Jersey resident was one of nine sailors to go missing when guided-missile destroyer collided with a merchant vessel near Singapore on Monday.

Cherry Hill Mayor Chuck Cahn released the following statement:

"I was incredibly saddened to learn of the passing of Petty Officer Kenneth Smith. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Smith family and Kenneth's friends during this difficult time. His was a life of service, and he proudly followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather as a member of the United States Navy. On behalf of the members of Township Council and our entire Cherry Hill community, I want to express my sincere gratitude for the service and sacrifice of Petty Officer Smith, and all those who serve and defend the United States at home and abroad. While I know there is nothing we can do to erase their heartbreak, the Township will continue to provide whatever resources, comfort and assistance to the Smith family in the wake of this tragic loss."

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Smith served as an electronics technician on the USS John S. McCain. Navy and Marine Corp Divers will continue to search the flooded compartments of the ship in hopes of recovering the remains of the nine other sailors who remain missing.

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