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: 8/17/2017 11:34:00 PM
By U.S. 7th Fleet Public Affairs
YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- The commanding officer, executive officer and command master chief of the guided-missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) were relieved of their duties by Vice Adm. Joseph Aucoin, Commander, Seventh Fleet, on August 18. Additionally, a number of officer and enlisted watch standers were held accountable.

The determinations were made following a thorough review of the facts and circumstances leading up to the June 17 collision between Fitzgerald and the merchant vessel ACX Crystal.

The collision was avoidable and both ships demonstrated poor seamanship. Within Fitzgerald, flawed watch stander teamwork and inadequate leadership contributed to the collision that claimed the lives of seven Fitzgerald Sailors, injured three more, and damaged both ships.

With absolute accountability for the safe navigation of Fitzgerald, Cmdr. Bryce Benson was relieved due to a loss of confidence in his ability to lead. He had previously been temporarily relieved of his duties due to medical reasons from injuries sustained during the collision. Cmdr. Benson is being reassigned to Naval District Washington at the Washington Navy Yard, where he will have access to medical facilities in the area.

Inadequate leadership by the executive officer, Cmdr. Sean Babbitt, and command master chief, Master Chief Petty Officer Brice Baldwin, contributed to the lack of watch stander preparedness and readiness that was evident in the events leading up to the collision.

Several junior officers were relieved of their duties due to poor seamanship and flawed teamwork as bridge and combat information center watch standers. Additional administrative actions were taken against members of both watch teams.

Cmdr. Garret Miller will assume command from Fitzgerald's acting commanding officer, Cmdr. John "Jack" Fay sometime mid-to-late-August.

It was also evident from this review that the entire Fitzgerald crew demonstrated real toughness that night. Following the collision these Sailors responded with urgency, determination and creativity to save their ship. Their rigorous damage control efforts and dauntless fighting in the immediate wake of the accident prevented further loss of life.
 

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CORAL SEA (Aug. 18, 2017) Landing Craft, Air Cushion (LCAC) 10, assigned to the Naval Beach Unit (NBU) 7, approaches the well deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) during a certification exercise (CERTEX). During the CERTEX, the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (31st MEU) will be evaluated on crisis response operations for a number of potential contingencies. CERTEX is taking place off the coast and within Shoalwater Bay Training Area, Australia, and will test the MEU's ability to conduct all of its core missions such as stability operations, non-combatant evacuation and disaster relief. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Cosmo Walrath/Released)

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ARABIAN GULF (Aug. 17, 2017) Sailors move ordnance on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in the Arabian Gulf. Nimitz is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. While in this region, the ship and its carrier strike group are conducting maritime security operations to reassure allies and partners, preserve freedom of navigation and maintain the free flow of commerce. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jose Madrigal/Released)

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ARABIAN GULF (Aug. 17, 2017) An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the "Eightballers" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 8 prepares to deliver ordnance to the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) during a replenishment-at-sea in the Arabian Gulf. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ian Kinkead/Released)

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ATLANTIC OCEAN (Aug. 16, 2017) Sailors assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 2 and Expeditionary Mine Countermeasures Company (ExMCM Co.) 202, are lowered into the water during Mark 16 dive training. ExMCM Co. 202 consists of an EODMU 2 MCM platoon, Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) 2 Unmanned Systems Platoon, and the Naval Oceanography Mine Warfare Center (NOMWC) Post Mission Analysis Cell. EODMU-2 provides credible, combat-ready EOD forces capable of deploying anywhere, anytime in support of national interests. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Charles Oki/Released)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 16, 2017) An MV-22 Osprey prepares to land on the flight deck of the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2). Essex is underway conducting sea trials and flight deck certifications off the coast of Southern California. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Donavan K. Patubo/Released)
 

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CORAL SEA (Aug. 12, 2017) A Marine assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (31st MEU) holds a security perimeter during a visit, board, search and seizure drill aboard the fleet replenishment oiler USNS Rappahannock (T-AO 204) as part of a certification exercise (CERTEX). During the CERTEX, the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (31st MEU) will be evaluated on crisis response operations for a number of potential contingencies. CERTEX is taking place off the coast and within the Shoalwater Bay Training Area, Australia, and will test the MEU's ability to conduct all of its core missions such as stability operations, non-combatant evacuation and disaster relief. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Sarah Villegas/Released)

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CORAL SEA (Aug. 12, 2017) A Marine assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (31st MEU) holds a security perimeter during a visit, board, search and seizure drill aboard the fleet replenishment oiler USNS Rappahannock (T-AO 204) as part of a certification exercise (CERTEX). During the CERTEX, the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (31st MEU) will be evaluated on crisis response operations for a number of potential contingencies. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Sarah Villegas/Released)

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MEDITERRANEAN SEA (Aug. 18, 2017) Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Bennett Evans, left, and Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Vonnalle Greenman a M240B 7.62 mm machine gun aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79) as the ship transits the Strait of Gibraltar. Oscar Austin is conducting a routine deployment supporting the U.S. national security interests in Europe and increasing theater security cooperation and forward naval presence in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ryan U. Kledzik/Released)

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..When will we see PLAN sailors doing THIS aboard CV-16?..
ARABIAN GULF (Aug. 16, 2017) Sailors install an afterburner on a jet engine aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in the Arabian Gulf. Nimitz is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. While in this region, the ship and its carrier strike group are conducting maritime security operations to reassure allies and partners, preserve freedom of navigation, and maintain the free flow of commerce. (U.S. Navy photo by Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Rachel Kuebler/Released)

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GUAM (Aug. 16, 2017) A Mark VI patrol boat assigned to Coastal Riverine Group (CRG) 1, Detachment Guam, and operated by Coastal Riverine Squadron (CRS) 2 pulls alongside the littoral combat ship USS Coronado (LCS 4) during a proof of concept exercise. CRG-1 is capable of conducting maritime security operations across the full spectrum of naval, joint and combined operations. (U.S. Navy Combat Camera photo by Information Systems Technician 1st Class Gregory L. Parker/Released)
 

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PEARL HARBOR (Aug. 15, 2017) The Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Santa Fe (SSN 763) arrives at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam after completing a deployment. The submarine's ability to support a multitude of missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike warfare, surveillance and reconnaissance has made Santa Fe one of the most capable submarines in the world. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Daniel Hinton/Released)

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CORAL SEA (Aug. 13, 2017) Cpl. Jose Ramirez, left, and Lance Cpl. Clarence Alvarez, both assigned to the "Tomcats" of Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 311, perform maintenance on an AV-8B Harrier engine in the hangar bay of the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) during a certification exercise. Bonhomme Richard is the flagship of its expeditionary strike group, which is operating in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region to enhance partnerships and be a ready-response force for any type of contingency. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeanette Mullinax/Released)

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PORTSMOUTH, Va. (Aug. 5, 2017) The aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) arrives at Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, Va. The ship is preparing for a planned incremental availability at Norfolk Naval Shipyard during the maintenance phase of the Optimized Fleet Response Plan. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Nathan T. Beard/Released)

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U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (Aug. 12, 2017) Sailors lower a rigid-hull inflatable boat during small boat operations aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Howard (DDG 83). Howard is deployed in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations conducting maritime security operations to reassure allies and partners, preserving freedom of navigation and maintaining the free flow of commerce. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tyler Preston/Released)

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ARABIAN GULF (Aug. 13, 2017) Lt. Jordan Chmielewski, assigned to the "Wolf Pack" of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 75, stands on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in the Arabian Gulf. Nimitz is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. While in this region, the ship and its carrier strike group are conducting maritime security operations to reassure allies and partners, preserve freedom of navigation, and maintain the free flow of commerce. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Holly L. Herline/Released)
 

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ARABIAN GULF (Aug. 20, 2017) The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) transits the Arabian Gulf while deployed in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. While in the region, the ship and strike group are conducting maritime security operations to reassure allies and partners, preserve freedom of navigation, and maintain the free flow of commerce. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Elesia K. Patten/Released)

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ARABIAN GULF (Aug. 20, 2017) Marines take a break from their work in the hanger bay of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68), Aug. 20, 2017, in the Arabian Gulf. Nimitz is deployed in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Kennishah J. Maddux/Released)

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ARABIAN GULF (Aug. 20, 2017) Sailors prepare to send an aircraft down an elevator aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68), Aug. 20, 2017, in the Arabian Gulf. Nimitz is deployed in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. While in this region, the ship and strike group are conducting maritime security operations to reassure allies and partners, preserve freedom of navigation, and maintain the free flow of commerce. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ian Kinkead/Released)

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KOTA KINABALU, Malaysia (Aug. 19, 2017) Seaman Megan Stapp,from Chattanooga, Tenn., assigned to the deck department aboard the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), searches for surface contacts during the ship's departure from Malaysia after a scheduled port visit. America was in Malaysia to enhance U.S and Malaysia relations and experience the culture of the country. America, part of the America Amphibious Ready Group, with embarked 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, is operating in the Indo-Asia Pacific region to strengthen partnerships and serve as a ready-response force for any type of contingency. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Vance Hand/Released)

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ATLANTIC OCEAN (Aug. 18, 2017) An F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the "Tomcatters" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 31 launches from the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77). The ship and its carrier strike group are transiting home after a seven-month deployment in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operation. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matt Matlage/Released)
 

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PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 18, 2017) An F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to the "Mighty Shrikes" of Strike Fighter Attack Squadron (VFA) 94 prepares for takeoff aboard the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). Theodore Roosevelt is underway conducting a composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX) with its carrier strike group in preparation for an upcoming deployment. COMPTUEX tests a carrier strike group's mission-readiness and ability to perform as an integrated unit through simulated real-world scenarios. (U.S. Navy photo by Machinist Mate 3rd Class Andrew Langholf/Released)

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ATLANTIC OCEAN (Aug. 16, 2017) Sailors remove missiles from a NATO Sea Sparrow aboard the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77). The ship and its carrier strike group are transiting home from a seven-month deployment in support of maritime security operations and theater cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operation. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Darien Weigel/Released)

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ARABIAN GULF (Aug. 20, 2017) Naval Air Crewman (Helicopter) Erik Potter mans a .50-caliber machine gun aboard an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the "Eightballers" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 8 during routine operations with the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in the Arabian Gulf. Nimitz is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. While in this region, the ship and its carrier strike group are conducting maritime security operations to reassure allies and partners, preserve freedom of navigation, and maintain the free flow of commerce. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Colby S. Comery/Released)

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CORAL SEA (Aug. 13, 2017) Sailor and Marine judges prepare to try a new dish on the mess deck of the dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) during a cooking competition. Ashland is part of the Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group, which is operating in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region to enhance partnerships and be a ready-response force for any type of contingency. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Alexandra Seeley/Released)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 19, 2017) An F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter attached to the "Avengers" of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 211 takes off from the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2). Essex is underway conducting sea trials and flight deck certifications off the coast of Southern California. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Irwin Sampaga/Released)
 

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PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 19, 2017)F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters assigned to the "Avengers" of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 211 operate from the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2). Essex is underway conducting sea trials and flight deck certifications off the coast of Southern California. (U.S. Navy photos by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Irwin Sampaga, Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jacob Owen/Released)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 22, 2017) Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class Kevin Graves stows ammunition in a weapons magazine aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) during an ammunition onload. Essex is underway conducting sea trials and flight deck certifications off the coast of Southern California. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Irwin Sampaga/Released)
 

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GUAM (Aug. 22, 2017) A Sailor assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 5 fast-ropes from an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the "Island Knights" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 25 at Naval Base Guam. EODMU-5 conducts mine countermeasure and improvised explosive device operations, renders safe explosive hazards and disarms underwater explosives such as mines. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Benjamin A. Lewis/Released)

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CORAL SEA (Aug. 5, 2017) Midshipman 1st Class Elizabeth Giwon Kim, a senior at the U.S. Naval Academy, conducts communications with the Military Sealift Command dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Charles Drew (T-AKE-10) aboard the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Shiloh (CG 67) during a replenishment-at-sea. Shiloh is on patrol with Carrier Strike Group 5 in support of security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Pat Morrissey/Released)

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ARABIAN GULF (Aug. 23, 2017) An F/A-18C Hornet assigned to the "Death Rattlers" of Marine Strike Fighter Squadron (VMFA) 323 prepares to take off from the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. While in the region, the ship and its carrier strike group are conducting maritime security operations to reassure allies and partners, preserve freedom of navigation and maintain the free flow of commerce. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Elesia K. Patten/Released)

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PHILIPPINE SEA (Aug. 20, 2017) Quartermaster 2nd Class Leandre Sackey, right, from Norfolk, Va., and Quartermaster 1st Class Melvin Noble, from Baltimore, fold the American flag during sea and anchor detail aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold (DDG 65). Benfold is on patrol in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Benjamin Dobbs/Released)

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PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 21, 2017) Naval Air Crewman (Helicopter) 2nd Class Brandon Whiteman loads sonobuoys into a MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the "Battle Cats" of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 73 aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Halsey (DDG 97). Halsey is underway conducting a composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX) with the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group in preparation for an upcoming deployment. COMPTUEX tests a carrier strike group's mission-readiness and ability to perform as an integrated unit through simulated real-world scenarios. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Nicholas Burgains/Released)
 
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