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Congressman Darren Soto Statement on Missing Sailors Following Navy Ship Collision

August 21, 2017

Washington, D.C. – On August 21st, 2017 a collision between the USS John S. McCain and an oil tanker left ten American sailors missing and others injured off the coast of Singapore. Congressman Darren Soto released the following statement following the accident, supporting the U.S. Navy announcement of an operational pause and comprehensive review of the collision:

"My thoughts are with our injured and missing American sailors; may they return home safely to their families. We continue to pray for good news from the search-and-rescue efforts being conducted by Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and the United States.

"I support U.S. Navy Admiral John Richardson, chief of naval operations, in his decision to pause all operations and perform a comprehensive review of the collision. We must ensure all navigational maneuvers are performed safely, and that all protocols are being properly met.

"Today's collision is the second major accident within the last three months. It is appalling that incidents of this sort keep happening and it is clear something needs to change. The U.S. Navy is vital to our national security and we must continue to strengthen it by providing our sailors with the necessary tools, trainings, and resources to succeed."

The United States Navy has not yet released the names of the missing sailors.