US Navy Fires 2 Commanders after Asia Sea Accidents

US Navy Fires 2 Commanders after Asia Sea Accidents
The U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain is seen after a collision, in Singapore waters on August 21, 2017. REUTERS/Ahmad Masood
Reuters
Updated:

WASHINGTON—The U.S. Navy dismissed two senior officers on Monday after a series of collisions involving Seventh Fleet warships in Asia, citing a loss of confidence in their ability to command.

Rear Admiral Charles Williams, commander of Task Force 70, and Captain Jeffrey Bennett, commander of Destroyer Squadron 15, were fired by Seventh Fleet commander Vice Admiral Phil Sawyer, the Navy said. In August, Sawyer replaced fleet commander Vice Admiral Joseph Aucoin, who was fired after the accidents.