Protocol and Consequences for a US Navy Ship Running Aground

The experience and response to a U.S. Navy ship running aground can vary widely. From immediate actions to thorough investigations, the process involves several critical steps to ensure safety and minimize damage.

What Is the Protocol for a US Navy Ship Running Aground?

The first and foremost priority when a US Navy ship runs aground is to unground the vessel as quickly as possible. Wave action can exacerbate the situation, causing further damage and making any subsequent repairs more difficult. Therefore, the sooner the ship can be repositioned, the better.

Once the ship is free, a thorough survey is conducted to assess the extent of any damage. Depending on the severity, repairs may be necessary to ensure the ship is seaworthy again.

Consequences for the Crew

The consequences for the crew can vary greatly depending on the circumstances. In some cases, responsibilities such as the commanding officer (CO), the captain, and the navigator may be relieved of their duties. In other instances, no actions are taken, and the crew may face no consequence at all.

While it might be a matter of minor importance to claim that a crew member never ran a ship aground, the fact remains that such incidents are managed more seriously and can leave a mark on their career. The experience is a significant benchmark for a naval officer.

Notable Incidents in the US Navy

The answer to the reliability of grounding incidents is, of course, ‘it depends.' Here are a couple of notable incidents:

Shiny New Captain Incident

One example involves a new captain who, despite the poorly maintained buoyed channel, managed to free the ship himself without any assistance. Curiously, this captain remained in his position even when the speaker left the US Navy.

Conventional Carrier Grounding (Possible USS Kennedy or America)

In a different scenario, a conventional carrier, possibly the USS Kennedy or America, ran aground in the Chesapeake Bay. It took several days and the assistance of several tugs to free the ship. According to the speaker, the captain involved faced the consequences of his actions and was relieved of his position.

Potential Confusion with USS Enterprise

In an effort to confirm specific details, the speaker attempted to verify if the grounding incident could have been that of the USS Enterprise in San Francisco. However, they were unable to find evidence of such an incident, leading to some uncertainty.

Learning from Incidents

Incidents such as a ship running aground are significant for the U.S. Navy. They serve as learning experiences, highlighting the importance of proper navigation, regular maintenance, and the need for thorough training. These incidents are not only about the immediate action but the long-term impact on the ship and the career of those involved.

Conclusion

The protocol for a US Navy ship running aground is a dynamic process that requires swift action and thorough investigation. The consequences for the crew can range from relief from duty to no action at all, depending on the severity and circumstances of the incident.