USS Essex Collision Captain Removed from Command
Navy investigation reports chaos on bridge of USS Essex last spring, leading to collision with oiler Yukon. The Essex skipper’s failure to properly lead his junior bridge watch team caused what could have been an “avoidable” collision, according to the report obtained by Navy Times through a Freedom of Information Act request. The findings shed new light on the May 16 collision off the coast of California, a day before Essex returned to San Diego. For his role in the collision, Capt. Charles E. “Chuck” Litchfield was fired June 18 by Rear Adm.
Navy's 'Great Green Fleet' for 2012 RIMPAC Wargames
The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity that helps participants foster and sustain the cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2012 is the 23rd exercise in the series that began in 1971. RIMPAC 2012 will feature the first demonstration of a U.S. Navy "Great Green Fleet," during which U.S. surface combatants and carrier-based aircraft will test, evaluate and demonstrate the cross-platform utility and functionality of biofuels.