- The fire, which was started on July 12, 2020, burned for five days reaching temperatures in excess of 1,400 degrees Fahrenheit
- Investigators found that Non-compliance with fire prevention, detection, and response policies and procedures was likely prevalent across the fleets.
- More than 30 people could face possible discipline Lescher
The fire that caused billions of dollars in damage to a Navy ship last year, forcing it to be decommissioned, was preventable, reports Yahoo.
About the fire accident
The fire, which was started on July 12, 2020, burned for five days reaching temperatures in excess of 1,400 degrees Fahrenheit and spread to 11 of the 14 decks. Sixty-three personnel, including 40 sailors and 23 civilians, were treated for minor injuries, including heat exhaustion and smoke inhalation related to the fire and the attempts to quell the flames.
More than 30 people could face possible discipline Lescher told reporters on Wednesday.
While Seaman Apprentice Ryan Sawyer Mays has been charged in connection to the July 2020 fire aboard the USS Bonhomme Richard, the sailors on-board the ship were ill-prepared to put it out and salvage the amphibious assault ship.
The loss of this ship was completely preventable
“The loss of this ship was completely preventable,” VCNO Adm. Bill Lescher said. “And the Navy is executing a deliberative process that includes taking appropriate accountability actions with respect to personnel assigned to Bonhomme Richard and the shore commands designed to support the ship while moored at Naval Base San Diego.”
The Naval Safety center’s review
In addition to the investigation of the fire aboard the USS Bonhomme Richard, the Naval Safety Center also conducted a comprehensive review of all major fires onboard U.S. Navy ships. The review included looking at 15 fires on various ships over a 12-year period.
Investigators found that “Non-compliance with fire prevention, detection, and response policies and procedures was likely prevalent across the fleets.”
They also found that in six of the 15 fires, commanding officers and crew members failed to recognize the inherent risk associated with significant transitions in operations, environment, or system and ship configuration,” while nine of the fifteen events resulted in worse outcomes due to “the improper handling and stowage of hazardous and combustible material.”
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Source: Yahoo
