Navy to allow ex-Fitz CO to retire at current rank

https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2019/11/21/navy-to-allow-ex-fitz-co-to-retire-at-current-rank/

Navy to allow ex-Fitz CO to retire at current rank

By: Geoff Ziezulewicz    2 days ago


The Navy will allow the former commanding officer of the guided-missile destroyer Fitzgerald to retire at his current rank and with all his benefits intact.

Cmdr. Bryce Benson was informed last week of the decision, which will see him medically retire and leave the service on Dec. 29, according to a copy of his orders provided by attorney Cmdr. Justin Henderson.

ProPublica first reported this week that officials had approved Benson’s retirement, more than two years after the Fitz’s June 17, 2017 collision with a merchant vessel off Japan killed seven crew members and left Benson with a head injury.

“Your dedicated service to the Navy and your country is deeply appreciated,” the orders state. “May you enjoy every success and happiness in the future.”

It’s the latest twist in the case of Benson, who learned in September that he would appear before a panel convened to determine whether he should be punitively removed from the sea service for his role in the collision.
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