Also, after the USS Fitzgerald and other recent naval accidents, it would have been important to order every ship and command to do the most thorough possible review and updating of all training, watch, procedures, etc.
It is just so difficult to believe that this can happen again, with another DDG (we only have 64 of the Arleigh Burke class and they are critical front-line combat resources worldwide).
It seems like there needs to be some serious shake-up and improvements in the navy, fast. This is also very embarrassing from a foreign policy standpoint, not to mention the obvious combat readiness concerns.
But worst of all tonight is that 10-12 US naval personnnel may be dead.
Naval aviation is in bad shape, too. For instance, many F-18 Hornets are not able to fly right now.
Yes, yes, YES!
I assumed that an after-incident housecleaning would have been a priority immediately after the USS Fitzgerald collision, step up training and DISCIPLINE. My assumption may have been optimistic.
That's ok, but too much of that and you get accidents like this.
The primary guy resonsible for the safe navigation of the ship is the Officer of the Deck. His first job is not running into rocks or other ships. It's really pretty easy. Yeah lots of backup is helpful to ensure that a 98% performer is turned into a 100% performer, but if the OOD is not operating at 98% the rest doesn't matter.
I suspect that the problem is failure to focus on the essentials. I'll bet JOs are spending a lot less time in navigation trainers and tactical trainers and a lot more time on social engineering training and safety admin training.