January 17, 2018

Multiple US Navy officers heading the USS McCain and USS Fitzgerald, which were involved in crashes last year that led to the deaths of 17 sailors, will face court martial proceedings on charges including negligent homicide and dereliction of duty, according to a Tuesday statement.

Earlier in the day, Defense News reported that the navy's top surface warfare officer was expected to resign in light of an upcoming recommendation that he be relieved of duties. "Today, I have informed the chief of naval operations that this Thursday I will step aside earlier than previously planned as the commander, Naval Surface Forces and commander, Naval Surface Force, US Pacific Fleet," Adm. Tom Rowden said in a statement to Military.com.

Seven sailors died when the USS Fitzgerald collided with the ACX Crystal cargo ship on June 17 of last year, and 10 were killed in August when the USS McCain collided with the Alnic MC merchant vessel. "Both of these accidents were preventable and the respective investigations found multiple failures by watch standers that contributed to the incidents," said Adm. John Richardson, chief of naval operations, on November 1.

Read more:

https://sputniknews.com/news/201801171060807679-us-navy-officers-charged-crashes/