In April 1952, U.S.S. Wasp (Aircraft carrier : CV-18) was operating with the destroyers U.S.S. Hobson (DD-464) and Rodman (DD-456) as Task Unit 88.1.1. On the night of April 26, 1952, U.S.S. Hobson, commanded by Lieutenant Commander William J. Tierney, collided with U.S.S. Wasp, commanded by Captain Burnham C. McCaffree. The Hobson, struck on her starboard side amidships, split in two and sank within four minutes of the collision. According to the Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, 176 men, including Hobson’s commanding officer, died as a result. Due to speedy rescue operations by Wasp and Rodman, 52 men survived. (Other sources give different fatality-survivor figures). The Wasp sustained a jagged 75 foot-long tear to its bow, but suffered no casualties.
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Nowhere is there a reason given for this turn to starboard. They were obviously on a parallel track, so why would the skipper turn into the AC? It would seem somebody would have said something before the collision. No explanation given.
Kinda reminds me of Dick the Bruiser and his lesson about driving in winter...
And remember, always yield the right of way to the bigger vehicle