DEPARTMENT OF THE NAV Y
VICE C HI EF OF NAVAL OPERA T ION S
2000 N A VY PE N TAGO N
WASHINGTON DC 20350-2000
IN REPLY REFER TO

5800
Ser N09/ 17Ul 005 30
30 Oct 20 17
From: Vice Chief of Naval Operations
To:
Commander, Military Personnel Detachment, Office ofNaval Reactors, Department of
Energy
Subj:

CONSOLIDATED DISPOSITION AUTHORITY FOR ACCOUNTABI LITY
ACTIONS RELATING TO THE COLLISIONS AT SEA INVOLVING USS
FITZGERALD (DOG 62) AND USS JOHN S. MCCAIN (DDG 56)

Ref:

(a) CNO Delegation of Authority ltr 5402 Ser N00/ 100040 of 1 Jut 14
(b) CNO Delegation of Authority ltr 5402 Ser N00/17U 100044 of 16 Jun 17
(c) R.C.M. 306, Manual for Courts-Martial (2016)
(d) R.C.M. 401, Manual for Courts-Martial (2016)
(e) R.C.M. 601, Manual for Courts-Martial (2016)

1. On June 17,20 17, in the U.S. SEVENTH Fleet area of operations, USS FITZGERALD
collided with M/V ACX CRYSTAL resulting in the deaths of seven U.S. Navy Sailors. Sixtyfive days later on August 21 , 20 17, again in the U.S. SEVENTH Fleet area of operations, USS
JOHNS. MCCAIN and MIV ALNIC MC collided resulting in the deaths often more U.S. Navy
Sailors.

2. Separate investigations were convened to examine the facts and circumstances surrounding
each collision. After the FITZGERALD collision, accountability actions were taken by the thenCommander, U.S. SEVENTH Fleet. After the MCCAIN collision, accountability actions were
taken by the current Commander, U.S. SEVENTH Fleet and Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet. In
addition, following the MCCAIN collision, l directed Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command
to conduct a Comprehensive Review (CR) of surface tleet operations and incidents at sea over
the past decade. The CR' s findings, opinions, and recommendations were signed and delivered
on October 26, 20 17. and provide additional insight into the collisions.
3. The complex ity, scope, and tragic consequences of these collisions require that the Navy
exercise due diligence in determining whether all appropriate accountability actions have been
taken. Therefore, consistent with references (a) through (e), you are designated as the
Consolidated Disposition Authority (CDA) for administrative and disciplinary actions related to
the FITZGERALD and MCCAIN collisions. As CDA, you have the authority to review all
relevant information, including accountability actions taken to date, and to take additional
administrative or disciplinary actions as appropriate. All CDA determinations are within your
sole discretion and are to be based upon your independent professional judgment.
4. In accordance with reference (c), I withhold the authority of all other Navy commanders to
take further disciplinary or administrative actions related to the collisions at sea involving
FITZGERALD and MCCAIN.

 Subj: CONSOLIDATED DISPOSITION AUTHORITY FOR ACCOUNTABILITY
ACTIONS RELATING TO THE COLLISIONS AT SEA INVOLVING USS
FITZGERALD (DDG 62) AND USS JOHN S. MCCAIN (DDG 56)
5. I appoint Captain Michael Luken, JAGC, USN as your senior legal advisor.
6. By copy of this letter, Commander, Navy Installations Command and Commander, Naval
Legal Service Command are directed to provide resources and support, as required.
7. My point of contact for this matter is Commander Dustin E. Wallace, JAGC, USN, at
(703) 695-3480 or dustin.e.wallace@navy.mil.

~
W.F.MORAN
Admiral, U.S. Navy
Copy to:
SECNAV
CNO
COMPACFLT
JAG
CNIC
CNLSC

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