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In the wake of tragedy, the US surface fleet is all in on simulators January 15 Capt. John J. Cummings, the carrier Gerald R. Ford s commanding officer, center, checks the ship s course during a simulated transit in a navigation trainer. (U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Ryan Seelbach) WASHINGTON It has been nearly four years since one of the worst years in modern U.S. Navy history, when a string of accidents and collisions sidelined three ships and resulted in the deaths of 17 sailors. But the service’s top surface warfare officer wants to make clear that it hasn’t moved on.
Johnston (DD-557).
1 Declaring to his new crew and guests, “This is going to be a fighting ship,” he motioned toward the bunting-draped destroyer and added, “I intend to go in harm’s way, and anyone who doesn’t want to go along had better get off right now.” He continued resolutely, “I will never again retreat from an enemy force.”
In recognition of his valiant spirit and heroism in fighting his ship until she sank in the Battle off Samar on 25 October 1944, Evans posthumously was awarded the Medal of Honor, and the culture he set serves as an example to all Navy ships striving for battle-minded and combat-ready crews.