Petty Officer Third Class John Larimer, 27, joined the Navy last summer and was a cryptologic technician. Petty Officer Larimer, who had been stationed in Aurora since October, was one of five children and grew up in Crystal Lake, Ill., his father said.

 

“We’re still in shock,” his father, Scott Larimer, said. “Unfortunately in the military you expect him to be in harm’s way, but not in a theater.”

 

The Navy released a statement on Saturday from Petty Officer Larimer’s commander, Cmdr. Jeffrey Jakuboski: “I am incredibly saddened by the loss of Petty Officer John Larimer — he was an outstanding shipmate. A valued member of our Navy team, he will be missed by all who knew him. My heart goes out to John's family, friends and loved ones, as well as to all 
victims of this horrible tragedy.”