Announced on Thursday, the Navy fired two senior officers for the damage done to a nuclear-powered attack submarine. The submarine collided with a seamount, otherwise known as an underwater mountain, in the South China Sea.
In addition, a sailor who served as a senior enlisted adviser to the commander was also discharged from his position.
Vice Admiral Karl Thomas, commander of the US 7th Fleet, based in Japan, initiated the discharge.
“Thomas determined sound judgment, prudent decision-making, and adherence to required procedures in navigation planning, watch team execution and risk management could have prevented the incident,” according to a statement released by the 7th Fleet.
Navy Fires Two Senior Officers And Enlisted Adviser
Vice Admiral Thomas discharged Cmdr. Cameron Aljilani as commanding officer, Lieutenant Commander Patrick Cashin as executive officer, and Master Chief Sonar Technician Cory Rodgers as chief of the boat. The action was “due to loss of confidence.”
The Navy has not publicly explained how or why the Seawolf-class submarine struck a seamount. As well as hasn’t revealed the extent of the damage.
The Navy has clarified that the nuclear reactor and propulsion system of the submarine was not damaged. However, the collision did cause multiple minor injuries to the crew.
The collision happened on October 2nd, but the Navy did not report it until five days later. The submarine traveled to Guam for a damage evaluation, where it remains. The Navy stated that the vessel would travel to Bremerton, Washington, for repairs.
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