Two Sasebo Sailors rescue person from drowning

COMMANDER, FLEET ACTIVITIES SASEBO, Japan (NNS) -- Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Michael Hahnrauch and Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Christopher Tucker were each awarded a Navy Marine Corps Commendation Medal June 7 for their heroic effort.

Hahnrauch and Tucker had rescued an American civilian from drowning on Commander, Fleet Activities Sasebo during the early morning of May 25.

"I didn't think, I just acted," said Hahnrauch. "I saw someone in trouble and I did what needed to be done."

He ran down to the pier where they had fallen in and began rendering aid. However, he was unable to pull the person completely from the water because they were caught on an object underneath. That is when Hahnrauch began to call out for help as he stayed with the person, keeping their head above water.

His calls were answered by Tucker, who was also walking by on his way to work. Tucker notified base security while Hahnrauch stayed with the individual. Security arrived and was able to free the person from the water.

"Anytime you see someone in need you should just reach out and try to help," said Tucker. "That's just what I believe in."

Hahnrauch is assigned to the Avenger-class mine countermeasure ship USS Chief (MCM 14) and Tucker is assigned to the Avenger-class mine countermeasure ship USS Warrior (MCM 10), both forward-deployed to Sasebo Japan.

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Photo Caption:

SASEBO, Japan (June 8, 2017) Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Michael Hahnrauch, from Red Hook, New York, assigned to the Avenger-class mine countermeasure ship USS Chief (MCM 14), poses for a photo. He received a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for quick actions to save someone from drowning on Commander, Fleet Activities Sasebo in late May. "I didn't think, I just acted," said Hahnrauch. "I saw someone in trouble and I did what needed to be done."