The recent string of accidents aboard Navy vessels may just be due to bad luck, rather than a lack of training or poor equipment, congressional military experts say.
But one civilian specialist who's studied hazards aboard aircraft carriers warns that budget cuts in Navy training could lead to more accidents."Congress is always trying to cut training budgets. But if a pilot can't practice flying, those on the deck don't get trained either. It's a prescription for an accident," said Karlene Roberts, an industrial psychologist participating in a five-year study of Nimitz-class aircraft carriers and hazardous industrial systems.
From Sunday's jet crash aboard the aircraft carrier USS Lexington that claimed five lives to Wednesday's fire aboard the oiler USS Monongahela, the week has brought a series of accidents that has left Navy brass shaking their heads.
"Operating at sea is an arduous life, and the lesson is that even at peace time there are dangers," said Rear Adm. Brent Baker, the head of the Navy's information division.
"That's no consolation to the families who have lost sons or daughters. But those who have been around the Navy a long time realize that's why we train so hard," said Baker.
"You can't prepare for war at the pier."