XBradTC

Thanks to URR for his updates on the USS Fitzgerald.

The Burke class ships were built with survivability in mind. They were designed to take a hit. 

When a ship is damaged, via combat or other hazards, the crew springs into damage control efforts. But what exactly does that entail?

Two recent examples of the effort required to save the ship are the USS Samuel B. Roberts in the Persian Gulf, and the USS Cole in Aden, Yemen.

The US Naval Academy in 2014 hosted the commanding officers of both those ships for a discussion of the  leadership, training, and teamwork that led to successful damage control efforts for these ships. Both were so badly damaged they probably should have sunk. Instead, both were saved and returned to the fleet.

When you look at USS Fitzgerald dockside in Yokuska, understand that the topside damage is almost superficial. It’s the damage below that waterline that is critical. She’s not only listing, she’s very much down by the bow. And I have no doubt that every minute since the collision has seen her crew working feverishly to repair, dewater, supply power, and stop flooding.

As this editorial by retired Rear Admiral Kirby notes, we don’t know yet what led to this collision, and personally, it’s far too early to speculate. But whatever faults CDR Benson may or may not have, clearly his crew knew their DC responsibilities.