Posted on 01/19/2007 5:47:40 PM PST by SmithL
The Navy announced Friday it relieved the commander of a nuclear submarine that was involved in an incident that killed two sailors.
On Dec. 29, rough seas swept four American sailors from the deck of the submarine off the coast of southwestern England. The USS-Minneapolis-St. Paul was leaving Plymouth harbor when the sailors were knocked into the water by surging waves. The four men were taken to a hospital in Plymouth, where two were pronounced dead.
According to officials, an initial review determined the incident was avoidable and due in part to a poor decision by the commander. A formal investigation is still under way. He was identified by a Navy statement as Cmdr. Edwin Ruff.
According to the Navy, Ruff was reassigned to a shore-based post in Norfolk, Va. The decision was made by Vice Adm. Chuck Munns, commander of the Navy's Submarine Force in Norfolk.
"Munns took this action due to a loss of confidence in Ruff's ability to command,"
(Excerpt) Read more at sfgate.com ...
You are correct he missed the white wash part.
That's not what I said.
The operative words here are "avoidable accident". Anytime that the word “avoidable” is part of the message the Captain of the vessel is responsible and will ultimately suffer the consequences, the Captain of the ship (boat) is ultimately responsible for what happens on his ship.
I don't send them to command. They have no authority.
I send them to turn wrenches. To teach them that a bust on paper is why I have an Air Force Reservest that works for me still on the road tonight. He has to be in San Antonio tomorrow then has training for a month. He didn't need this crap; not tonight. I try to take care of my people.
The screw-up designer is safe at home. Monday will not be his best day.
Career killer yes … part of UCMJ, no.
Yes, and the UCMJ holds the commander of a unit totally responsible for anything that happens during his stint as the commander.
>>>>>"Yes, and the UCMJ holds the commander of a unit totally responsible for anything that happens during his stint as the commander"<<<<<<
We agree again but... What was he charged with? He received a letter and was relieved for "loss of confidence"
TT
Technically, being relieved wasn't a punishment. The letter was the punishment, and being relieved was a consequence, in much the same way that never being promoted isn't considered a punishment.
The sub was putting off the British harbor pilot. The topside crew was still involved in that when the sub cleared the breakwater and exposed the topside crew to the full force of the sea conditions beyond the breakwater that included 50 MPH winds and 20 foot swells.
Result: Four crewmembers washed overboard and two of them drowned or battered to death against the sub's hull.
The CO and the XO should have either ensured that the pilot transfer was completed in a timely manner before the sub cleared the breakwater or, if that was not possible, aborted the pilot transfer, ordered the topside crew and the pilot below and taken the pilot along for a patrol.
British authorities expressed shock that the pilot transfer had not been completed well before the sub cleared the breakwater.
Dereliction of duty comes to mind (even though we will never hear … military hush, hash).
The only thing I can suggest is to watch the outcome … my bet is that the commander of this vessel will soon be looking for employment in the private sector.
He'll retire, as will the XO.
Both will suffer other losses. Th CO had been selected for advancement to Captain, and the XO had been selected for command. Neither will happen, now.
Seems like small justice for the death of two sailors, but you are probably right.
The Navy is a non-forgetting entity. Anything that makes it look bad is soon buried. I’m sure that this is true in all branches of military service.
Very True
TT
Not Right, but True. Perception and Politics have always been a part of the job to be addressed by those in Command, I would not like to be one ever accused of judging based on the information reported by AP.
I am very predictable if forced to choose I will pick the Military over AP every time.
TT
I would like to be a fly on your wall come monday morning LOL.
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