USS Fitzgerald Update

I had not heard of this. The decisions are most interesting. Reading the article brings into question what the future of the military justice system. (Court Martial).

Perhaps only persons who have served in the military can fully understand the reasons underlying command decisions and the responsibilities thereof. That said, not all command decisions are just or fair. Not all Court Martial are fair or have just outcomes--but that holds for civilian law also.

One might hold the US Congress at fault, because of budgetary constraints, or defer judgement upon top command, as to decisions of how the budget is spent.

In this case the actions of the Chief of Naval operations seems to have put his thumb on the scales of justice...But the chain of command does hold those at the top responsible for the actions of their subordinates all of the way down.

In any case, lives were lost and careers ruined. It brings into sharp focus the question of how prepared and equipped is our Navy.

Thanks.
 
Very interesting report. Sounds like a ton of Navy screwups, going from the bridge staff all the way to DC, and like usual, stuff rolls down hill from the top. Hard to imagine those "elite" vessels without working apparatus (radar) and understaffed, and getting pressure from "upstairs" to be fight ready unless you have been there.

Those sailors onboard those vessels should not have been thought to be criminally negligent. That needed to go way higher up the food chain.

OK, I'm down of the high horse now.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon

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Too many times in aviation and looks like maritime too, there is pushing from management to fly or sail unsafe vessels, combined with mission hackers at the lower levels. And too many times this is during peace time or standard operations, rather than wartime or life saving missions. Sounds like a good time for a safety stand down for the Naval fleet, and some honest conversation between the Brass and Sailors!
 
Thataway wrote "In this case the actions of the Chief of Naval operations seems to have put his thumb on the scales of justice...But the chain of command does hold those at the top responsible for the actions of their subordinates all of the way down.", so that means to me that Richardson was as guilty as the commanders he was accusing and of course, by not pursuing charges against them freed him also. The buck stops where? Actually very complicated and why we civilians have an independent judiciary but the military is sure a different beast under different rules and for a good reason - war. I agree with those who say those allocating budget amounts need to be investigated/studied.

Jay
 
Jay. I didn't want to get in to the politics of this but Seems like there is plenty room above Richardson to lay some blame. Purse strings appear to be a big part of the issue. I think it is good that he called off the court martial but he already swayed that judgment and he should have none better than to be accusing in public before the findings were concluded. And the findings should have been looking all the way up the scale.

Those 6 or 7 sailors were just scape goats and maybe he did know what he was doing, and stopped it before he got "stuff" on his shoes.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon

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Harvey,

No arguments with you, actually full agreement. Who really knows what was going on in Richardson's mind. And life is too political these days so I almost didn't post my opinions.

Jay
 
The sad part is, the sailors and even lower ranking officers, are dammed if they do and dammed if they don't. And yet it is their lives that are affected the most. Yes Sir, Yes Sir, three bags full sir...
 
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