D'oh!
The collision between the assault ship USS Essex and the oil tanker USNS Yukon occurred about 120 miles off Southern California during a refueling exercise, according to a statement.
The Essex was approaching the Yukon to get in position to be refueled when a steering malfunction occurred, and the two ships collided, said Commander Charlie Brown, a 3rd Fleet spokesman.
Both ships reported some damage, he said but gave no further details.
The fleet statement said neither ship's fuel tanks or systems were compromised, but a full assessment of any damage was continuing.
The Essex, an 260-metre vessel that resembles a small aircraft carrier, is due to return to San Diego on Thursday after 12 years based in Sasebo, Japan. It has a crew of about 1,200.
The Yukon is a 206-metre tanker that replenishes oil for other Navy ships in the Pacific fleet. It was launched in 1993, and all but three of its 92 crew members are civilians, according to the Navy's website.
US Navy ships collide in the Pacific - Telegraph
The collision between the assault ship USS Essex and the oil tanker USNS Yukon occurred about 120 miles off Southern California during a refueling exercise, according to a statement.
The Essex was approaching the Yukon to get in position to be refueled when a steering malfunction occurred, and the two ships collided, said Commander Charlie Brown, a 3rd Fleet spokesman.
Both ships reported some damage, he said but gave no further details.
The fleet statement said neither ship's fuel tanks or systems were compromised, but a full assessment of any damage was continuing.
The Essex, an 260-metre vessel that resembles a small aircraft carrier, is due to return to San Diego on Thursday after 12 years based in Sasebo, Japan. It has a crew of about 1,200.
The Yukon is a 206-metre tanker that replenishes oil for other Navy ships in the Pacific fleet. It was launched in 1993, and all but three of its 92 crew members are civilians, according to the Navy's website.
US Navy ships collide in the Pacific - Telegraph