The Navy announced Tuesday is has charged commanding officers from two vessels involved in deadly crashes last year with negligent homicide, NPR reports. Three other officers also face negligent homicide charges. According to the AP, the charges will be presented in a hearing, which will determine if the officers will head to court-martial proceedings. At the moment, the Navy notes, all involved are "entitled to a presumption of innocence." The USS Fitzgerald hit a commercial ship in June off the coast of Japan, killing seven US sailors. The USS John S. McCain hit an oil tanker in August off the coast of Singapore, killing 10 US sailors. An investigation by the Navy determined both collisions were "avoidable."
Cmdr. Alfredo Sanchez of the USS McCain faces charges of dereliction of duty, hazarding a vessel, and negligent homicide. A chief petty officer on the vessel also faces a charge of dereliction of duty. Cmdr. Bryce Benson, two lieutenants, and a lieutenant junior grade of the USS McCain face charges of dereliction of duty, hazarding a vessel, and negligent homicide. Eight other crew members—four from each vessel—are facing administrative actions. The decision on the charges was made by Adm. Frank Caldwell. Meanwhile, CNN reports US Navy Vice Adm. Thomas Rowden announced his resignation Tuesday stemming from the collisions. (More Navy stories.)
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