Sailors who were commanding the USS Fitzgerald when it crashed into a merchant ship have been relieved of their duties.
The June shipwreck off the coast of Japan killed seven U.S. Navy sailors, and now we know how some onboard will be punished.
After the wreck, unnamed officials told CNN they believed the Fitzgerald crew may be to blame. Those sources said the crew failed to act to avoid the oncoming cargo ship.
The commanding officer, executive officer and command master chief of the guided-missile destroyer will not be returning to the ship. Junior officers aboard the ship have also been removed from their duties, and other administrative actions were taken against members of the watch teams.
Related Story
A Missing US Navy Sailor Was Found Hiding On His Ship After 7 Days
Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. William Moran told reporters, "We've lost trust and confidence in their ability to lead."
He also said it's going to be "pretty hard" for the officers to recover from the punishment.
The Navy says both ships involved in the crash demonstrated poor seamanship. The investigation is ongoing.
