Navy to 'heavy lift' John S. McCain to Japan for damage assessment

The Navy intends to issue a task order for the salvage patching and heavy lift transport of the destroyer John S. McCain (DDG-56) from Singapore to Japan, according to a Navy spokeswoman.

The McCain will be lifted from Changi Naval Base in Singapore to the Japan Regional Maintenance Center in Yokosuka, a naval repair facility, for damage assessment in late September, according to Naval Sea Systems Command spokeswoman Colleen O'Rourke.

"Completion of the damage assessment is required to fully determine repair plans to include cost, schedule and location for the ship's repairs," O'Rourke said in a statement released today.

The guided-missile destroyer collided with the merchant vessel Alnic MC near the Straits of Malacca and Singapore on Aug. 21, resulting in damage to port-side berthing compartments, machinery and communications rooms as well as the deaths of 10 sailors.