Swift Actions by JOs Prevented Warship Collision in San Diego Harbor, Investigation Finds - USNI...

The quick thinking of two junior officers aboard an amphibious warship prevented a collision in San Diego Harbor in November, according to an investigation obtained by USNI News on Thursday.

The near-miss between USS Harpers Ferry (LSD-49) and guided-missile destroyer USS Momsen (DDG-92) in the narrowest part of San Diego harbor was prevented in part by the officer of the deck and navigator on Harpers Ferry who, during a moment of leadership indecision, ordered a turn that moved the 17,000-ton ship out of the way of the smaller, more maneuverable destroyer.

The commander of Momsen ordered the destroyer to turn at the same time, preventing the two ships from colliding at a tight corner a little under three miles from the harbor entrance, according to the report.

Vice Adm. Roy Kitchener, the commander of Naval Surface Forces, endorsed the preliminary investigation in January.