USS Fitzgerald

[painter777]

I've read that the Japanese officials estimate this investigation could take up to 2 years.

My first thought is How a US Destroyer and a hulking container ship, ever got so close to begin with ?
For two large ships to be in waters where they should expect traffic and not see each other is hard to imagine. Having modern radar and what I've read about the Aegis combat system, should provide those on watch with unprecedented awareness of other vessels.
This leads me to believe there might have been some type of problem with the incoming information from radar, navigational lights from other ships and bridge-to-bridge radio communications. If any or all of this information wasn't passed along or interpreted correctly it would change as vessels alter their course and speed.
We do know the ACX Crystal made a U-turn some time before the collision, in itself being an unusual maneuver in a congested sea lane.
Aboard the Fitzgerald you have the Commanding officer in his quarters and most sailors still in their bunks when the Crystal struck. Makes you have to suspect that there was no early warning.
Surely some type of alarm, A collision alarm (?) should be sounded to wake and mobilize the crew in such a situation. You'd think some type of alarm of a impending collision would get a CO to the bridge. Isn't it: If in doubt, contact the CO ?
I've read where the Arleigh Burke-class destroyers are like the sports cars of the sea. They should be able to get out of the way of anything.

What did happen was something went wrong.

This whole thing will come down to What Didn't Happen.

Charlie-Painter777