Ship owners to pay U.S. government for Fitzgerald collision

[JayhawkSD]

2. Whoever wrote that article is something of an idiot.

"Whether the settlement money will actually go to Fitz repairs remains unclear..."

Apparently the fool has never heard of the concept that money is fungible. The money will go to the US government, and the writer says in the same sentence that the US government is repairing the ship at a cost far greater than the amount of money in question. Whether the specific coinage tendered by the shipowners is handed to the repair yard or some other coinage is irrelevant.

And I certainly agree with rampartc that the Fitzgerald was highly remiss. I believe the captain was relieved from command, and disciplinary action was taken with respect to several subordinates.