USS John McCain Another bangup screwup

Jan. 26, 2003 — The guided missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) approaches the Kitty Hawk during a replenishment at sea (RAS). An RAS is the method by which ammunition fuel is transferred from one ship to another while at sea. The technique enables a fleet or naval formation to remain at sea for prolonged periods of time. Kitty Hawk is the NavyÕs only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier and operates out of Yokosuka, Japan. U.S. Navy photo by PhotographerÕs Mate 3rd Class Todd Frantom. (RELEASED)

A U.S. warship was damaged after colliding with a merchant vessel east of Singapore on Monday, the U.S. Navy said.

The Navy said in a statement the guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain collided with the Alnic MC vessel while “the ship was transiting to a routine port visit in Singapore.”

“Initial reports indicate John S. McCain sustained damage to her port side aft,” the Navy said.

Search and rescue efforts are underway in coordination with local authorities. In addition to tug boats out of Singapore, the Republic of Singapore Navy ship RSS Gallant (97), RSN helicopters and Police Coast Guard vessel Basking Shark (55) are currently in the area to render assistance.

MV-22s and SH-60s from USS America are also responding and the USS McCAin is currently sailing under its own power and heading to port.

This crash came days after the top three leaders aboard the USS Fitzgerald were relieved of command. That warship was damaged badly in a collision with the ACX Crystal, a Philippine-flagged container ship, off the coast of Japan in June. Seven American sailors were killed.