"This trend demands more forceful action. As such I’ve directed an operational pause be taken in all of our fleets around the world," Richardson said.
Earlier on Monday, five sailors were injured after the McCain collided with the Alnic MC near the Malacca straits. Four sailors were taken to local hospitals and the injury of the fifth sailor did not require hospital assistance.
The collision is the second by a US ship with a civilian vessel in the Seventh Fleet area of operations this summer.
#BREAKING: Update 2 on #USSJohnSMcCain collission. 10 Sailors missing, 5 injured. More to follow — https://t.co/ZVeM6KGdDT Via @US7thFleet pic.twitter.com/hteCf5Ijs0
— U.S. Navy (@USNavy) 21 августа 2017 г.
Richardson said the review will examine the process of training and certifying forces, operational tempo, maintenance trends and other areas to determine the root cause of the incidents.
The probe would also look at how tactical and navigational personnel are trained and verified, Richardson added.
Seven Navy personnel were killed in the Fitzgerald collision, and the ship’s commander was relieved of duty last week.
