Thanks for coming today.
USS FITZGERALD experienced extensive damage and flooding after a collision
with the Filipino container ship at 0220 local time, 17 June, approx. 56 nm
off the coast of Honshu, Japan.
The damage included a significant impact under the ship's pilothouse on the
starboard side and a large puncture below the ship's waterline, opening the
hull to the sea.
The ship suffered severe damage rapidly flooding 3 large compartments that
included 1 machinery room and 2 berthing areas for 116 crew. The Commanding
Officer's cabin was also directly hit, trapping the CO inside.
The crew's response was swift and effective, and I want to point out - as we
stand by the ship - how proud I am of them.
Heroic efforts prevented the flooding from catastrophically spreading which
could have caused the ship to founder or sink. It could have been much
worse.
The crew navigated the ship into one of the busiest ports in the world with
a magnetic compass and backup navigation equipment. 1 of 2 shafts were
locked.
Because of the tireless damage control efforts of a resolute and courageous
team, the ship was able to make its way back to port safely on its own power
last evening.
The FITZGERALD Crew responded professionally as all Sailors are expected to
fight the damage sustained to their ship. They are known as the "Fighting
FITZ" and the crew lived up to that name.
We owe it to our families and the Navy to understand what happened. Under
my authority, I am initiating a JAGMAN investigation into this collision,
and I will appoint a flag officer to lead that investigation. There will
also be a Safety investigation.
The U.S. Coast Guard is to take the lead on the marine casualty
investigation.
We recognize that there are other organizations who have equities in this
incident, and we expect they will conduct their own separate investigations.
More information on any further investigations will be forthcoming.
I will not speculate on how long these investigations will last.
As you are aware, we have found the remains of a number of our missing
shipmates. Our deepest sympathies are with the families of these Sailors.
Out of concern for the families and the notification process, I will decline
to state how many we have found at this time. We owe that to the families
and friends of these shipmates and hope you can respect this process.
We will update you after all notifications have been made.
We have transferred remains to Naval Hospital Yokosuka. The families are
being notified and will be provided the support they need at this difficult
time. Please keep them in your thoughts are prayers.
Their loved ones are what makes this Navy great, so this loss is something
we all do feel. The names of the deceased will be released soon.
Unfortunately we don't have the details regarding the conditions during
their final moments, but hope that the investigation may shed some light on
that matter.
At the same time, I want to express my most heartfelt appreciation to our
Japanese allies for their swift support and assistance.
Japanese Coast Guard ships and helicopters were the first on scene and our
first medevac, the ship's commanding officer, Cmdr. Bryce Benson, was
accomplished thanks to a JMSDF helicopter.
A second medevac was performed for two Sailors with minor injuries. All
three patients are alert and under observation at Naval Hospital Yokosuka.
We set up a USS Fitzgerald Emergency Family Assistance Center within hours,
and disseminated the phone numbers to their hotlines through social media
and Navy websites.
This support center remains open for chaplain and counselor care
indefinitely, 24/7, on the Fleet and Family Support Center's 4th floor.
But to be clear: my sole focus now has shifted to helping the grieving
family, crew and friends of the Fitzgerald.
The Navy family comes together during a tragedy, and I want to thank the
entire Yokosuka community rallying their support in these difficult days.
Fellow Sailors, family members, and civilian members of the Navy team were
all out here last night to welcome FITZGERALD home and provide the crew and
grieving families with food, blankets, clothes, and emotional support. MWR,
Port Operations, NEX, USO, the Chief Petty Officer Mess, and many others
pulled together to help out.
I ask all of you to keep the affected families in your thoughts and prayers,
and respect their privacy as we work to get them the answers they deserve
regarding their loved ones.