Ex-commanders face negligent homicide charges over deadly Navy collisions

The US Navy announced Tuesday that the former commanding officers of the USS Fitzgerald and USS John S. McCain -- the ships involved in two deadly 2017 collisions that killed 17 sailors -- will face criminal charges including dereliction of duty, hazarding a vessel and negligent homicide.

The USS McCain's commanding officer was Cmdr. Alfredo J. Sanchez, while the USS Fitzgerald's commanding officer was Cmdr. Bryce Benson.
  "After careful deliberation, today Adm. Frank Caldwell announced that Uniform Code of Military Justice charges are being preferred against individual service members in relation to the collisions," a Navy statement said.
Court-martial proceedings will be convened to review evidence supporting possible criminal charges against several members of the USS Fitzgerald, according to the service.

The Navy also said there will be additional administrative actions for members of both crews
US Navy Vice Adm. Thomas Rowden also announced Tuesday that he will depart his post on January 18
Washington (CNN)The US Navy announced Tuesday that the former commanding officers of the USS Fitzgerald and USS John S. McCain -- the ships involved in two deadly 2017 collisions that killed 17 sailors -- will face criminal charges including dereliction of duty, hazarding a vessel and negligent homicide.

The USS McCain's commanding officer was Cmdr. Alfredo J. Sanchez, while the USS Fitzgerald's commanding officer was Cmdr. Bryce Benson.
"After careful deliberation, today Adm. Frank Caldwell announced that Uniform Code of Military Justice charges are being preferred against individual service members in relation to the collisions," a Navy statement said.
Court-martial proceedings will be convened to review evidence supporting possible criminal charges against several members of the USS Fitzgerald, according to the service.
Navy ships in deadly collisions had lengthy training lapses
Navy ships in deadly collisions had lengthy training lapses
"The members' ranks include one commander (the commanding officer), two lieutenants, and one lieutenant junior grade. The charges include dereliction of duty, hazarding a vessel, and negligent homicide," the Navy said.
The collision between the Fitzgerald, a guided-missile destroyer, and the ACX Crystal on June 17, 2017 claimed the lives of seven US sailors. It took place 56 nautical miles off the coast of Honshu, Japan, in an area heavily traveled by commercial shipping.
  For the USS John S. McCain, one court-martial proceeding, or Article 32 hearing, will be convened to review evidence supporting possible criminal charges against one commander -- the commanding officer -- the Navy said.