U.S. Navy’s Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Fitzgerald is ready to be moved into a dry dock in Yokosuka, Japan to continue repairs following a June 17 collision with a merchant vessel off Yokosuka.
The U.S. 7th Fleet command announced that the destroyer is scheduled USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) is scheduled to move into a dry dock on July 11.
Preparations for the move included installation of a temporary patch on the hull beneath the water line as well as dewatering and defueling of affected spaces. Fitzgerald sailors participated in all preparations and continue to resume their normal routine.
During the docking period, the technical community will conduct assessments that will inform options for long term repairs.
Fitzgerald collided with Filipino merchant vessel ACX Crystal on June 17, about 56 nautical miles southwest of Yokosuka, Japan. Seven U.S. Navy sailors lost their lives in the collision after being trapped in flooded berthing compartments.
Fitzgerald is an Arleigh Burke class guided-missile destroyer forward deployed to Yokosuka as part of U.S. 7th Fleet since September 2004.