It was pretty common when I was stationed there to "park" or "loiter" in that area, and wait closer to sunrise, and then set navigation detail and start our transit into Yokosuka navy base.
If she was not DIW, with CIC and the bridge minimally manned, I don't see any possible way this could happen. You always have at least several operation specialists in CIC watching the radar and plotting all traffic. Anything with a close intercept is sent to the bridge and placed on the plotting board. They have several topside lookouts at all times, plus a small group on the bridge.
20 years in the navy and I cannot fathom the entire bridge and CIC watch team screwing this up. I have a feeling we will hear more details soon... something fishy is going on... whether it be total incompetence of the Officer of the Deck on the bridge or extreme course and speed changes by the Filipino crew, it just doesn't add up. Both of these ships are over 500 feet long.... It sounds as if the Fitzgerald never even saw the danger.. no collision alarm... strange..
Last edited by Cool Beans; 06-19-2017 at 07:52 AM..
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