Five years and millions in repairs have succeeded in restoring the destroyer to combat service.
The guided-missile destroyer, the Fitzgerald (also known as the Fighting Fitz) has returned to service, recently completing its first post-collision deployment after a collision with the cargo ship ACX Crystal off of Japan on June 17, 2017. The collision killed seven crewmembers in their berthing quarters.
After the collision, investigations uncovered a culture of malfunction not only onboard the ship but also within the Japan-based U.S. 7th Fleet.
The Navy spent 5 years and hundreds of millions to restore the damaged destroyer to combat readiness. The ship was deployed from January to August this year with the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group. A memorial for the seven sailors was held on the anniversary of the tragedy.
“Every step working up to and during the deployment carried added weight and meaning… We were proud that they left with a positive impression of how the ship looked and where we were,” stated Commander Dave Catterall, Fitzgerald’s commanding officer.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For wisdom for Commander Catterall as he commands the Fitzgerald and its crew.
- For Secretary Del Toro to be led by God as he oversees the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.
- For sailors deployed around the world in the U.S. Navy.
Sources: Stars and Stripes, Navy Times
