Ex-Commander Faces Charges For Collision Killing Virginia Sailor

NORFOLK, VA—The former commander of the USS John S. McCain will be charged for the fatal August 2017 collision that killed 10 sailors, including one that grew up in Norfolk. Cmdr. Alfredo Sanchez, who led the destroyer, will face charges including negligent homicide and dereliction of duty possibility of court-martial.

One of the Navy sailors pronounced dead after the USS McCain wrecked was identified as Electronics Technician 3rd Class Kenneth Aaron Smith, 22. He spent his years as a teenager in Norfolk when his father was a Navy sailor. Smith became the third generation to join the Navy in his family.

The USS McCain collided with the ALNIC MC in the South China Sea on Aug. 21, 2017. Ten sailors, trapped in their berthing compartment – where sailors sleep – died in the incident. Forty-eight other sailors were injured. The Navy blamed "loss of situational awareness in response to mistakes" and "failure to follow the International Nautical Rules of the Road."

Cmdr. Bryce Benson will also face charges for the USS Fitzgerald collision two months before the USS McCain collision. Acting U.S. Navy Chief of Information Capt. Greg Hicks said that hearings will be held to consider charges against Benson, Sanchez, two lieutenants, and one lieutenant junior grade. A chief petty officer aboard the McCain also faces a charge of dereliction of duty.

"The announcement of an Article 32 hearing and referral to a court-martial is not intended to and does not reflect a determination of guilt or innocence related to any offenses," Hicks said.

By Patch editor Colin Miner

Image of Cmdr. Alfredo Sanchez via U.S. Navy