USS Fitzgerald and USS McCain: A Tale of Two Naval Disasters
The U.S. Navy's 7th Fleet has been the scene of two major disasters in recent years, involving the guided-missile destroyers USS Fitzgerald (DDG-62) and USS McCain (DDG-56). These incidents, which occurred in 2017 and 2018 respectively, have raised significant questions about the Navy's operational procedures and training methods.
USS Fitzgerald: The Night of June 17, 2017
In the early hours of June 17, 2017, the USS Fitzgerald, under the command of Cmdr. Bryce Benson, was involved in a catastrophic collision with the Philippine-flagged merchant vessel ACX Crystal, approximately 56 nautical miles southwest of Yokosuka, Japan. The impact caused severe flooding in the ship's berthing and machinery spaces, leading to the death of seven sailors.
Aftermath and Investigation
The Fitzgerald sustained significant damage, with a large gash on its starboard side, and had to be towed back to its homeport in Yokosuka. A subsequent investigation revealed a series of failures in the ship's watch team, including a lack of proper communication and a failure to recognize the danger posed by the approaching merchant vessel.
USS McCain: The Morning of August 21, 2018
Less than a year after the Fitzgerald collision, the USS McCain, commanded by Cmdr. Alfredo J. Sanchez, was involved in another deadly collision. This time, the ship was struck by the Alnic MC, a Liberian-flagged oil tanker, in the Singapore Strait. The impact resulted in the death of ten sailors and significant damage to the ship's port side.
Similarities and Differences
Both incidents occurred while the destroyers were operating in busy shipping lanes, and both involved a failure to recognize and respond to the threat posed by approaching merchant vessels. However, the McCain collision occurred during daylight hours, and the ship's crew had more time to react. Despite this, the loss of life was even greater than on the Fitzgerald.
Consequences and Changes
The collisions of the USS Fitzgerald and USS McCain led to a comprehensive review of the Navy's operational procedures and training methods. As a result, the Navy has implemented a series of reforms, including improved training for watch teams, increased communication between ships and shore-based command centers, and enhanced bridge management practices.
Lessons Learned
The tragedies of the USS Fitzgerald and USS McCain serve as stark reminders of the dangers faced by sailors at sea and the importance of maintaining the highest standards of vigilance and professionalism. The Navy's response to these incidents demonstrates a commitment to learning from mistakes and taking action to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Remembering the Fallen
The sailors who lost their lives in these collisions paid the ultimate price for their service. Their sacrifice is remembered not only by their fellow sailors but by the entire U.S. Navy and the American people. The names of the fallen are inscribed on the National Naval Memorial in Washington, D.C., a testament to their courage and dedication.
