"He loved his family dearly and was committed to making the Navy a career and was excited about the adventures the Navy would offer him," the statement said. "He also cared for his shipmates and we are incredibly proud of him and his service to our Navy and the country. We are heartbroken with the news and will miss him tremendously. We are so very thankful God gave us 23 amazing years with him and we will cherish those memories for the rest of our lives."