USS Fitzgerald: US Navy initiates disciplinary action against senior command
Following an initial investigation into the USS Fitzgerald collision incident, the US Navy has conveyed that disciplinary action would be initiated against the warship's senior leadership. The destroyer had collided with Filipino vessel, ACX Crystal in the Sea of Japan in June. Admiral Bill Moran, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations conveyed that the Navy has lost confidence in their leadership abilities.
US Navy warship collides off Japan's coast, 7 sailors dead
On June 17, at least seven US Navy personnel aged between 19 and 37 died after the destroyer USS Fitzgerald collided with the merchant vessel ACX Crystal. The sailors were asleep in the ship's lower deck, which got flooded during the collision which took place early morning. The warship, one of the world's most advanced ones, further suffered heavy damage on its starboard side.
How did advanced US Navy warship fail to avert collision?
Observers find it perplexing how USS Fitzgerald, an advanced destroyer with highly sophisticated radar systems failed to avoid the collision. Marine traffic records further indicate that ACX Crystal made a sudden U-turn, around 25 minutes before the collision for unknown reasons. However, rules mandate that vessels should make way for ships on their starboard side, raising questions on whether it was US sailors' fault.
What did the initial investigation reveal?
The report describes the chaotic aftermath of the collision and how sailors who acted quickly saved 28 out of 35 crew members. Admiral Moran notes, "Serious mistakes were made by members of the crew... clearly at some point the bridge team lost situational awareness."
Action initiated against USS Fitzgerald crew
The initial investigation has found the US Navy at fault. Speaking on the removal of the ship's senior leadership, Admiral Moran notes, we've lost trust and confidence in their ability to lead in those positions and they won't return to the ship." Non-judicial punishment processes are likely to be initiated against the three senior officers who were found asleep at the time of collision.
