Failures by some crew members contributed to collision of USS Fitzgerald

The USS Fitzgerald, a guided-missile destroyer collided with the Philippine-flagged cargo vessel ACX Crystal on the 17th of June 2017 off the coast of Japan not far from Tokyo.

The collision left many questions unanswered as were discussed in two earlier Digital Journal articles to be found here and here.

A recent Navy report analyses the problems that contributed to the collision on the Fitzgerald. The report also discusses the collision of the USS John S. McCain with a ship as well, discussed in a recent Digital Journal article.

The report listed five significant failures on the Fitzgerald. Failure to plan for safety, to adhere to sound navigation practices, to execute basic watch standing practices, to properly use available navigation tools, to respond deliberately and effectively in the extreme situation.

In particular, the report noted that the Officer of the Deck (OOD), the person responsible for safe navigation of the ship, did not maneuver the ship as required for the area through which they were passing. He also failed to sound the danger signal nor did he attempt to contact the Crystal on Bridge to Bridge radio. In addition, the OOD did not call the ship's commanding officer as is prescribed by Navy procedures to allow more senior oversight and judgment in the situation.

The Navy also notes that physical look out duties were not properly performed on the starboard or right side of the ship where not only the Crystal but two other ships were approaching.

Vice Admiral Joseph Aucoin relieved the Captain, Executive Officer, and senior enlisted leader of their positions due to a "loss of confidence " in their ability to lead. Later Aucoin himself lost his position after several collisions this year involving vessels of the 7th fleet under his command. A dozen officers who were on watch when the collision took place were assessed unspecified administrative punishments.

The actions of the Crystal also contributed to the collision as it did not signal any warning or take evasive action. It even continued on its course for some time after the collision before turning back. It did not immediately report the collision to the Japanese Coast Guard either.

The collision provided a field day for conspiracy theorists as you can explore by looking at some of the videos about the incident on You Tube.