Navy Collisions: Ex-Commanders Face Negligent Homicide Charges

WASHINGTON, DC – The former commanders of two guided-missile destroyers that were involved in fatal collisions last year, taking the lives of 17 sailors, will face charges including negligent homicide and dereliction of duty. Cmdr. Bryce Benson, who commanded the USS Fitzgerald, and Cmdr. Alfredo Sanchez, who led the USS John S. McCain, will also face the possibility of court-martial.

The ships, both part of the Navy's Seventh Fleet, were involved in collisions with merchant vessels two months apart.

"After careful deliberation, today Adm. Frank Caldwell announced that Uniform Code of Military Justice charges are being preferred against individual service members in relation to the collisions," Acting U.S. Navy Chief of Information Capt. Greg Hicks said.

Hicks said that hearings will be held to consider charges against Benson, Sanchez, two lieutenants, and one lieutenant junior grade. A chief petty officer aboard the McCain also faces a charge of dereliction of duty.

"The announcement of an Article 32 hearing and referral to a court-martial is not intended to and does not reflect a determination of guilt or innocence related to any offenses," Hicks said.

"All individuals alleged to have committed misconduct are entitled to a presumption of innocence.

The incidents led to the dismissal of Vice Admiral Joseph Aucoin as commander of the Seventh Fleet.

That was followed by a surprise announcement that the commander of the Pacific Fleet, Admiral Scott Swift, had announced earlier-than-expected plans to retire.

FITGERALD COLLISION

The Fitzgerald collided with the container ship ACX Crystal on June 17. Seven sailors died in the incident, which led to the ship being badly damaged.

The Navy's investigation found that "numerous failures" had "occurred on part of leadership."

MCCAIN COLLISION

On August 21, the McCain – named for the father and grandfather of Sen. John McCain (R-AZ), both of whom were admirals in the Navy – collided with the tanker ALNIC MC.

Ten sailors, trapped in their berthing compartment – where sailors sleep – died in the incident. Forty-eight other sailors were injured.

In the same report that addressed the crash of the Fitzgerald, the Navy blamed "loss of situational awareness in response to mistakes" and "failure to follow the International Nautical Rules of the Road."

Photos courtesy US Navy.