Submitted via IRC for guy_
A former commander of the USS John S. McCain pleaded guilty Friday to dereliction of duty when the destroyer collided with a commercial tanker, killing 10 people and injuring five in the Straits of Singapore last August.
Cmdr. Alfredo Sanchez, who has served in the Navy for more than 20 years, testified during a special court-martial at the Washington Navy Yard, Stars and Stripes reported.
“I am ultimately responsible and stand accountable,” Sanchez said. “I will forever question my decisions that contributed to this tragic event.”
Per disciplinary proceedings, Sanchez agreed to retire from service, forfeit $6,000 in wages, and was issued a letter of reprimand.
Sanchez claimed responsibility for the deadly collision. He said had failed to put a well-rested, well-trained crew in place to steer the destroyer into the Straits.
The former commander, who was immediately reassigned after the collision, initially faced negligent homicide charges, CBS News reported.
According to Sanchez, an 18-year-old undertrained helmsman had been navigating the destroyer, known as "Big Bad John," leading up to the collision.
(Score: 2) by Gaaark on Monday May 28 2018, @02:32AM
I read about how they just recently started teaching navigation by the heavens again and thought "why the hell would they stop?"
I'd want my crew to be able to navigate through a BSOD if needed.
Good on them for going back to basics (bad on them for needing some embarrassing episodes to push them there)
--- Please remind me if I haven't been civil to you: I'm channeling MDC. ---Gaaark 2.0 ---