Destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG-56) developed a 4-inch crack in its hull while being transported via heavy lift vessel and will be rerouted to the Philippines for inspection, a U.S. 7th Fleet spokesman told USNI News.
Following an Aug. 21 collision with merchant vessel Alnic MC, McCain was being transported from Singapore, where the collision occurred, to Yokosuka, Japan, where repairs will take place. During the transit on heavy lift transport vessel MV Treasure, the crack – “about four inches long on the starboard side, amidships” with an accompanying small dent – was noticed, Cmdr. Clay Doss told USNI News.
The new damage, combined with inclement weather and heavy seas associated with Typhoon Lan, forced Treasure to reroute to the Philippines.
“Once pier side, experts will inspect the crack and determine if any additional repairs are needed before continuing to Yokosuka,” Doss said.
“MV Treasure had already slowed because of the storm, and pulling in allows inspection of the small crack while the weather improves.”
The Navy determined McCain could be repaired in Yokosuka, Japan, due to the nature of the damage – berthing and mechanical spaces were flooded and damaged, but many of the major electrical systems were unharmed, unlike the USS Fitzgerald (DDG-62) collision that destroyed the ship’s radar and combat system. Transporting the ship to Japan instead of the United States for repairs would be the quicker and less costly decision, with the Navy determining the repairs could be completed in Yokosuka for about $223 million.
