WASHINGTON, DC - Today, after the U.S. Navy announced it will turn its search and rescue mission to find missing sailors from the USS John S. McCain into a recovery operation 80 hours after the ship collided with an oil tanker off the coast of Singapore, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Ranking Member of the Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement:

“We mourn the loss of these ten brave sailors.  They gave everything to defend our nation and we will be there to support their families, loved ones, and shipmates.  The cause of the crash is still under investigation and it is imperative that we get to the bottom of what happened.  The families deserve answers and so do the American people.  Our hearts are heavy, but we will do everything in our power to get the truth and prevent future tragedies.”