HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) - The sister of a U.S. Navy sailor who grew up in Connecticut and was killed in a collision between a destroyer and a container ship off Japan is describing her brother as "selfless."

Twenty-five-year-old Ngoc T Truong Huynh was one of seven sailors killed aboard the USS Fitzgerald on Saturday.

Lan Huynh told WVIT-TV on Sunday the family is coping as best they can.

She says they moved to Connecticut was Huynh was in eighth grade. She and her brother graduated from Watertown High School. He also attended Naugatuck Valley Community College before joining the Navy in 2014. The family moved to Oklahoma a short time later.

Lan Huynh says her brother always "had the brightest smile."

Connecticut's governor has ordered flags to fly at half-staff in Huynh's honor.

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

"The members of the military and their families make so many sacrifices to serve our nation, and today is a sad and tragic reminder of what these men and women risk in defense of our nation every day," Governor Malloy said. "Our state and our nation are in mourning for all of those who lost loved ones onboard the U.S.S. Fitzgerald, including Sonar Technician 3rd Class Ngoc T. Truong Huynh from Connecticut. We pray for a safe homecoming for all of our troops who are stationed around the world, and thank them for their bravery and service."

"This is devastating news for the families and friends of the seven sailors we lost, for Connecticut, and the nation," Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman said. "Today's tragedy reminds us in the starkest terms what an enormous sacrifice our military men and women and their families make in service to our nation. We are deeply grateful for their courage and commitment. Our hearts are with Ngoc Truong Huynh's family as they grieve, and the other families who lost loved ones."

“I am heartbroken by reports that a Connecticut sailor was killed among others who perished on the U.S.S. Fitzgerald. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. The Navy owes the family and the nation a prompt investigation,” Senator Richard Blumenthal said.

“My heart goes out to the Huynh family for their loss. Ngoc died serving our country, a debt we cannot repay. We are all grateful for his service and sacrifice,” said Senator Chris Murphy. “The crash of the U.S.S. Fitzgerald is an absolute tragedy, and I intend to get to the bottom of what happened so that the families of those we lost have the answers they deserve.”