U.S.S. John McCain

Washington, D.C. - August 28, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- On August 21st, 2017 a collision between the USS John S. McCain and an oil tanker left ten American sailors missing and others injured off the coast of Singapore.
The USS John S. McCain, a missile-guided destroyer named in honor of United States Senator John S. McCain’s father and grandfather, both of whom were admirals in the U.S. Navy, was passing east of the Strait of Malacca on its way to Singapore when it collided with a merchant vessel.

U.S. Congressman Scott Peters (D-CA, 52nd) offered his prayers for those sailors who were killed, injured, or are still missing following the collision between the U.S.S. John McCain and a commercial tanker. He also called for Congress to investigate the collision, as well as the June accident involving the U.S.S. Fitzgerald that led to the death of seven sailors, to provide recommendations for how Congress can help prevent similar accidents in the future.

Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02), ranking member of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, announced that his committee will hold a joint oversight hearing with the Readiness Subcommittee to examine several recent US Navy accidents when Congress reconvenes in September. The hearing titled Navy Readiness – Underlying Problems Associated with the USS FITZGERALD and USS JOHN S. MCCAIN will be held on September

Rep. Peters released the following statement:

“We are immensely saddened by the news of our fallen sailors and are keeping them, their families, and other members of the crew of the U.S.S. McCain in our thoughts following this terrible accident. I also offer my thanks to the search and rescue crews from the U.S. Navy and our partners that are assisting in the recovery.

“These tragic, senseless collisions have taken the lives of too many brave sailors. Admiral Richardson, who I know well from his time in San Diego, initiated extraordinary actions to get to the bottom of these tragedies. I fully support the serious approach he is taking, and feel that Congress must also do its part by launching an investigation.

“As we continue the pivot to the Pacific to counter new and dynamic threats, the Navy is being asked to do more than it ever has. It is Congress’ duty to provide our service members with the resources they need to carry out their missions safely and effectively. A thorough investigation by the Armed Services Committee would give Congress a better understanding of what caused these collisions – the increase in operational tempo, insufficient funding for readiness and repairs, or other factors – and how we can better equip and train our sailors to prevent similar accidents in the future.”

Here are more statements and information on this subject:

House Representative Darren Soto (D-FL, 9th):

“My thoughts are with our injured and missing American sailors; may they return home safely to their families. We continue to pray for good news from the search-and-rescue efforts being conducted by Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and the United States.
“I support U.S. Navy Admiral John Richardson, chief of naval operations, in his decision to pause all operations and perform a comprehensive review of the collision. We must ensure all navigational maneuvers are performed safely, and that all protocols are being properly met.

“Today’s collision is the second major accident within the last three months. It is appalling that incidents of this sort keep happening and it is clear something needs to change. The U.S. Navy is vital to our national security and we must continue to strengthen it by providing our sailors with the necessary tools, trainings, and resources to succeed.”

House Representative Steve Cohen (D-TN, 9th):

“I was saddened to learn that the United States Navy suspended its search-and-rescue operations for the eight missing sailors of the USS John McCain, and to learn of the deaths of two other Navy sailors aboard the ship, Kenneth Aaron Smith and Dustin Louis Doyon. These Americans died serving our country and serving each other in camaraderie as shipmates. I am honored to have the opportunity to represent people in the United States Navy at the Millington Naval Base. I am thankful for their service and for the brave efforts of the sailors of the USS John S. McCain, who gave their lives in service to their country.

House Representative Joe Courtney (D-CT, 2nd):

“First and foremost, my thoughts are with the crew and families of the USS JOHN S. MCCAIN who lost shipmates and loved ones in the collision. Like the USS FITZGERALD accident prior to this one, I know the Navy will conduct a full investigation of this matter and promptly report its findings.

“I am increasingly troubled, however, with the rising trend line of accidents that have occurred over the last year. Our sailors are asked to operate every day in contested waters vital to the interests of the United States. We need to make sure that they have the tools, training, and support they need to do their jobs successfully and safely. While CNO Richardson’s operational pause is a good first step, it is clear that Congress must conduct rigorous oversight into the causes of these incidents and the remedies needed to prevent them in the future. I will push to ensure that this is front and center for our subcommittee as we return to session next month.”