08/07/2025
The Collision of USS Fitzgerald: A Tragic Wake-Up Call for Naval Operations
In the early hours of June 17, 2017, a tragic and preventable maritime disaster occurred off the coast of Japan when the U.S. Navy destroyer USS Fitzgerald (DDG-62) collided with a Philippine-flagged container ship, ACX Crystal. The collision resulted in the deaths of seven American sailors, caused severe structural damage to the destroyer, and exposed serious flaws in naval procedures and training.
USS Fitzgerald is an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer, commissioned in 1995 and named after Lieutenant William Charles Fitzgerald, who was killed in action during the Vietnam War. At the time of the incident, the vessel was operating out of Yokosuka, Japan, as part of the U.S. 7th Fleet responsible for security in the Indo-Pacific.
At approximately 1:30 a.m. local time, while transiting near Japan’s coast, USS Fitzgerald was struck on its starboard (right) side by ACX Crystal, a much larger container ship. The collision ripped open several compartments below the waterline, many of which were sleeping quarters for enlisted sailors. Flooding occurred rapidly, trapping and ultimately killing seven sailors. The ship’s commanding officer, Cmdr. Bryce Benson, was severely injured and had to be medically evacuated.
The damage to Fitzgerald was extensive, both structurally and operationally. The cost of repairs was estimated to exceed $500 million. The ship was eventually transported back to the U.S. for full restoration and modernization.
Following the accident, the U.S. Navy launched multiple investigations. These inquiries found a series of human and procedural errors, including poor communication, lack of situational awareness on the bridge, failure to properly stand watch, and inadequate coordination with radar and navigation systems. Several senior officers, including the ship’s captain, were relieved of command, and court-martial proceedings were initiated against key personnel.
The collision was one of several incidents involving U.S. Navy vessels in 2017, which raised serious concerns about fleet readiness and operational fatigue. In response, the Navy implemented major changes to training, navigation procedures, sleep schedules, and leadership accountability.
After years of repair and upgrades, USS Fitzgerald rejoined the fleet in 2020. The ship's return to service symbolized resilience and renewal, but also stood as a memorial to the seven sailors who lost their lives in service to their country.
The tragedy of the USS Fitzgerald remains a powerful reminder of the critical importance of vigilance, professionalism, and responsibility at sea. The lives lost have become a catalyst for change, helping to shape a safer and more prepared U.S. Navy
