A Shock in the Night
Around 1:30 a.m. on June 17, 2017, Alexander Vaughan found himself abruptly awoken as he fell from his bunk in the USS Fitzgerald’s Berthing 2. Shocked by cold seawater, he realized the dire situation. The compartment, 12 miles off Japan’s coast, was quickly flooding from a hull breach caused by a collision with the massive cargo ship, MV ACX Crystal.
Panic and Escape
Pandemonium ensued as sailors scrambled to escape the watery confinement. Vaughan, despite a fractured leg he couldn’t feel, helped push men up the ladder to safety. Berthing 2, a cramped space under the waterline, housed 35 sailors, each suddenly thrust into a fight for survival as the water rose alarmingly fast.
A Looming Collision
The Fitzgerald, part of the formidable 7th Fleet, was on a secret mission when it was struck by the Crystal. This collision marked the Navy’s worst sea accident in four decades, drowning seven sailors and leaving others both physically and mentally injured.
Failures and Consequences
Navy inquiries exposed leadership neglect, inexperienced officers, and exhausted sailors. The ship had only passed 7 of 22 required certification tests and was not prepared for anti-ballistic missile defense, its primary mission.
Inexperienced with night navigation, the 26-year-old officer on deck mistakenly ordered the destroyer into the Crystal’s path. This error was compounded by missed communication and malfunctioning equipment, contributing to the catastrophe.
A Struggle for Accountability
The Navy severely disciplined several high-ranking officers and ship personnel, citing shortcomings in training, equipment, and leadership. Adm. John Richardson, then Chief of Naval Operations, termed the collisions “avoidable tragedies.”
Despite these accidents, Vice Admiral Joseph Aucoin, the 7th Fleet commander at the time, was dismissed after repeatedly seeking more resources and training opportunities. He continues to seek full disclosure of the Navy’s failings.
Heroism Amid Chaos
In the chaos, the Fitzgerald’s crew fought without power, steering, or communication. With emergency measures, algebraic calculations, and sheer determination, they prevented the ship from sinking, resorting to buckets after pump failures.
Personal Tragedies and Memory
As bodies were recovered, sailors and their families began grappling with the loss. The incident remains a significant burden for those, like its then-captain, Cmdr. Bryce Benson, who survive with enduring psychological and physical scars.
A Path to Recovery
The ordeal of the Fitzgerald highlighted significant Navy issues—demanding answers and reforms to prevent future tragedies. The ship undergoes extensive repair at a cost of $330 million, with the incident standing as a stark reminder of the value of preparedness and vigilance at sea.