USS Porter was struck by 300,000 tonne tanker Otowasan
The captain of a US Navy destroyer has been removed from command after his ship was involved in a serious collision. USS Porter was operating near the Straits of Hormuz on 12 August when it was struck on its starboard side by the 300,000-tonne tanker Otowasan.
While nobody was hurt in the incident and the tanker suffered only superficial scrapes, the destroyer was severely damaged and sailed to Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates, for repairs. Rear Admiral Dave Thomas, commander Naval Surface Force Atlantic, today relieved Porter’s captain, Commander Martin Arriola, from duty due to loss of confidence in Arriola’s ability to command.
He was replaced by Commander Dave Richardson, the former executive officer of Porter’s sister ship McFaul, but the US Navy’s investigation into the collision will continue.
