YOKOSUKA Japan -- The commanding officer of the guided-missile destroyer, USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62), was relieved temporarily July 11 for medical reasons.
Cmdr. Bryce Benson, who is recovering from injuries sustained during Fitzgerald's June 17 collision with the merchant vessel ACX Crystal, was relieved temporarily by Capt. Jeffrey Bennett, commodore, Destroyer Squadron 15.
Cmdr. John Fay will assume temporary duties as Fitzgerald's commanding officer. Fay is currently assigned to Commander, Task Force 70 staff and served previously as commanding officer of USS Howard (DDG 83).
Fitzgerald is an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer forward deployed to Yokosuka since September 2004 as part of U.S. 7th Fleet.