The US Navy said the Commanding Officer, two Lieutenants, and one Lieutenant Junior Grade of the USS Fitzgerald will face charges include dereliction of duty, hazarding a vessel, and negligent homicide at court martial.
The USS Fitzgerald collided with the NYK containership ACX Crystal off Japan on 17 June 2017 resulting in the deaths of seven US servicemen and leaving another three injured.
Meanwhile the Commanding Officer of the USS John S. McCain faces charges that include dereliction of duty, hazarding a vessel, and negligent homicide. A charge of dereliction of duty is pending against the Chief Petty Officer.
The USS John s> McCain collided with the tanker Alnic MC at the entrance to the Singapore Strait on 21 August 2017 resulting in the deaths of 10 sailors on the US Navy vessel.
“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. All individuals alleged to have committed misconduct are entitled to a presumption of innocence,” the US Navy said.
“Additional administrative actions are being conducted for members of both crews including non-judicial punishment for four Fitzgerald and four John S. McCain crew members.”
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