Three seapower subcommittee senators call for SECNAV, CNO to implement U.S. 7th fleet recs

By Lee Hudson / November 13, 2017 at 3:23 PM

Three senators sent a letter today to the Navy secretary and chief of naval operations urging the service to implement recommendations from a recent comprehensive review of surface force incidents.

The review outlines findings following an analysis of 12 major naval mishaps over the last decade in U.S. 7th Fleet. Four of those incidents occurred this year resulting in the deaths of 17 sailors, according to a letter penned by Sens. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Tim Kaine (D-VA).

"As members of the Senate Armed Services seapower subcommittee, we are committed to working with the Navy to confront the factors that contributed to these mishaps," the letter reads. "While we commend the Navy's prompt assessment of the circumstances and factors that led to these tragic events, we urge you to ensure swift implementation of the recommendations to prevent any future incidents."

The senators call on the Navy to appoint a flag officer to oversee and coordinate implementation efforts across the fleet so that history does not repeat itself.

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