USS America LHA 6 to Support Ongoing Search for 10 Missing Crew

By Massita Ahmad SINGAPORE, Aug 22 (Bernama) -- Amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) arrived at Changi Naval Base and is moored across the pier from the guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain, according to the United States Seventh Fleet in its latest update on its website. While in Singapore, the US Navy said America would provide messing and berthing services to McCain crew members and to support damage control efforts on board. America will also support in the ongoing search for 10 missing sailors, it said, adding that Ship Repair Facility divers are on scene as well to assess the damage to the hull. McCain was involved in a collision with the merchant vessel Alnic MC while underway east of the Straits of Malacca and Singapore early today and arrived at Changi Naval Base in the afternoon. Significant damage to the hull resulted in flooding to nearby compartments, including crew berthing, machinery, and communications rooms, it said. “Damage control efforts by the crew halted further flooding,” said the Seventh Fleet, the largest of the US Navy's forward ­deployed fleets. There are currently 10 sailors still missing and five injured. Four of the injured were medically evacuated by a Singapore Armed Forces Puma helicopter to a hospital in Singapore for non-life threatening injuries while the fifth injured sailor did not require further medical attention. The US Navy said the search and rescue efforts continue in coordination with local authorities. Royal Malaysian Navy ships joined the search this afternoon, providing KD Handalan, KD Gempita, and KM Marudu and a Super Lynx helicopter. Earlier in the day, Republic of Singapore Navy Fearless-class patrol ships RSS Gallant (97), RSS Resilience (82), and a Singaporean Police Coast Guard vessel Basking Shark (PH 55) rendered assistance. Gallant along with an SAF Super Puma helicopter and Police Coast Guard vessels Tiger Shark (PH 54) and Sandbar Shark (PH 56) continue to provide assistance. US Navy MH-60S helicopters and MV-22 Ospreys from USS America are also supporting search efforts at sea. Alnic MC is a Liberian-flagged 600-foot oil and chemical tanker with a gross tonnage of 30,000. The incident will be investigated to determine the facts and circumstances of the collision, it said. -- BERNAMA