The Straits of Malacca are one of the busiest in the world. There is a clearly defined traffic separation scheme. There is no way that the CO was not on the bridge. As a former Officer of the Deck (underway) the incedents are flat out embarrassing.
I spent a lot of hours as the OOD going in and out of port on a nuclear submarine. About all I had for navaids was a lookout with gubmint issue binos standing next to me, a chart, and a microphone to order course and speed. I never hit nuffin.
Sounds like a cover story to me. Either ineptitude is ring rampant or something sinister is being covered up. No way this happens. Is the you tube generation really unable to unplug for critical duties?
Malacca has pre-determined and assigned lanes, depending on the direction of transit.
It even has speed limits lol
This is incompetent seamanship, plain a simple.
POTUS needs to recall Comm 7th Flt and let him know he’s on the chopping block.
Simple solution - just require all US Navy officers to pass the Coast Guard 3rd mates exam.