A certain sailor may need to ‘swim with the fishes’!!!
Investigators believe a massive fire that erupted on the Navy ship the USS Bonhomme Richard may have been intentionally set, and a sailor has been identified as a possible suspect, two defense officials confirmed Wednesday.
The new details in the investigation of the July fire were reported Wednesday by KGTV-TV of San Diego, where the amphibious assault ship is based.
Two defense officials confirmed to NBC News that investigators now suspect arson. But the investigation continues, and it has not been determined whether the sailor is an actual suspect.
The sailor was not named, and no additional details were released.
“The Navy will not comment on an ongoing investigation to protect the integrity of the investigative process and all those involved. We have nothing to announce at this time.”
Lt. Tim Pietrack
Navy Spokesman
The Naval Criminal Investigative Service, or NCIS, with assistance from the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ national response team, is investigating.
The fire started July 12 and was extinguished four days later after having caused extensive damage.
The ship, an amphibious assault vessel that works to deploy elements of Marine landing forces, was based at Naval Base San Diego after having spent six years in Japan.
Adm. Michael M. Gilday, the chief of naval operations, has praised the work of more than 400 sailors from 16 ships based in San Diego who helped fight the fire, and he pledged a thorough investigation.
He has previously said that restoring the Bonhomme Richard to its status as an amphibious assault ship “could be too heavy a lift” but that there may be other options for how to restore it.
Sailor eyed in possible arson on Navy ship that burned for days
Calamity Jane