JohninMK Mon Aug 21, 2017 5:13 pm
This is the follow-up report by Commander Carrier Strike Group FIVE on the USS Fitzgerald released after the initial report (the second post below) by the Commander Sixth Fleet.
Whilst the report is very positive about the actions of the crew post impact, I draw your attention to the last sentence of para 1.
"the injuries ............. and deaths........... occurred in the line of duty and not due to misconduct."
http://www.secnav.navy.mil/foia/readingroom/HotTopics/USS%20Fitzgerald/Supplemental%20Inquiry%20USS%20Fitzgerald.pdf
This came after this press release, my highlight.
YOKOSUKA, Japan - The commanding officer, executive officer and command master chief of the guided-missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) were relieved of their duties by Vice Adm. Joseph Aucoin, Commander, Seventh Fleet, on Aug. 18. Additionally, a number of officer and enlisted watch standers were held accountable. The determinations were made following a thorough review of the facts and circumstances leading up to the June 17 collision between Fitzgerald and the merchant vessel ACX Crystal.
The collision was avoidable and both ships demonstrated poor seamanship. Within Fitzgerald, flawed watch stander teamwork and inadequate leadership contributed to the collision that claimed the lives of seven Fitzgerald Sailors, injured three more, and damaged both ships.
With absolute accountability for the safe navigation of Fitzgerald, Cmdr. Bryce Benson was relieved due to a loss of confidence in his ability to lead. He had previously been temporarily relieved of his duties due to medical reasons from injuries sustained during the collision. Cmdr. Benson is being reassigned to Naval District Washington at the Washington Navy Yard, where he will have access to medical facilities in the area.
Inadequate leadership by the executive officer, Cmdr. Sean Babbitt, and command master chief, Master Chief Petty Officer Brice Baldwin, contributed to the lack of watch stander preparedness and readiness that was evident in the events leading up to the collision.
Several junior officers were relieved of their duties due to poor seamanship and flawed teamwork as bridge and combat information center watch standers. Additional administrative actions were taken against members of both watch teams.
http://www.cpf.navy.mil/news.aspx/130183
Whilst there will undoubtedly be career changes in the background, publicaly the sad fact is that the USN seems to regard death and injury to its sailors due, in its own words, to "poor seamanship", "inadequate leadership" and "flawed teamwork" as being "in the line of duty" and not "misconduct".
Now we have another collision, another whitewash?
Last edited by JohninMK on Mon Aug 21, 2017 5:15 pm; edited 2 times in total