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Navy is harsh after USS Fort Worth mishap

THE EDITORIAL BOARD
The littoral combat ship USS Fort Worth conducts patrols in international waters of the South China Sea.
The littoral combat ship USS Fort Worth conducts patrols in international waters of the South China Sea. MC2 Conor Minto U.S. Navy

The U.S. Navy has taken harsh action by relieving Michael L. Atwell from command of the USS Fort Worth after a protocol lapse caused a mechanical failure.

The littoral combat ship suffered gear damage in January because of insufficient oil, causing high temperatures and an engineering casualty.

A U.S. Pacific Fleet spokesman, Lt. Clint Ramsden, told the newspaper Stars and Stripes:

“The casualty appears to have been caused by a failure to follow established procedures during maintenance.”

The extent of the damage has not been published, nor any updates on if or when the ship will be repaired.

The mishap is still being investigated.

Atwell was responsible for crew members’ actions and making sure procedures are followed.

Procedures are in place for a good reason, and mishaps like this shouldn’t happen if procedures are properly followed.

This story was originally published March 31, 2016 at 5:55 PM with the headline "Navy is harsh after USS Fort Worth mishap."

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