© Ahmad Masood / Reuters
The U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain is seen after a collision, in Singapore waters August 21, 2017.
Multiple Navy reviews show human error caused two naval ship collisions that killed 17 sailors this year. The incidents could have been avoided with improved training and managing sailors' fatigue while stationed overseas, the Navy finds.
US Navy leaders have called for around 60 improvements across its Pacific fleet in the wake of the recent collisions. Admiral John Richardson, the chief of naval operations, ordered a review of the
USS Fitzgerald and
USS John S. McCain collisions, which is set to be released in a report Thursday.
The
USS McCain collided with a merchant vessel on August 21 near Singapore, killing 10 sailors and injuring five. The
USS Fitzgerald collided with a cargo ship near Yokosuka in June, killing seven sailors. Command staff of both ships were relieved of their posts after the incidents.
The review of the incidents was led by Admiral Philip Davidson, head of the Navy's Fleet Forces Command, who called for appointing a senior Navy officer to oversee the implementation of the recommended changes across the global Navy fleet, according to an advanced copy obtained by the
Associated Press.
In his review, Davidson called for increasing the standards for sailors standing watch and better training on high-tech equipment. The report states that increasing demands have led to fewer crew members completing necessary training or certifications.
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