Politics & Government
Two Navy Ships, USS Essex and USNS Yukon, Collide
No injuries and no fuel spills were noted, according to reports.
The amphibious assault ship USS Essex, based in Japan the past 12 years, is scheduled to return to San Diego Thursday, the Navy announced.
A mishap occured Wednesday morning, though, according to the Associated Press, when the ship had a minor collision with a replenishment tanker, the USNS Yukon, about 120 miles off local shores.
No injuries or major damage was found, the agency reported.
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The Navy swapped out ships and crews last month. The USS Bonhomme Richard replaced the Essex in Sasebo, Japan, and the Bonhomme Richard's crew is returning the Essex to San Diego, where it used to be based.
"I know there are a lot of former crew members and fans of the ship still in the area, so it is going to be a real pleasure to re-introduce 'The Iron Gator' to San Diego," said the commanding officer, Capt. Charles Litchfield.
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The Essex will participate in a major exercise off Hawaii this summer, then go to the General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard for a large overhaul, according to the Navy.
– City News Service
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