The Navy tapped three flag officers to lead the investigation into the Oct. 13 collision between the Aegis cruiser San Jacinto and the submarine Montpelier off the coast of Florida. Both ships were conducting routine training missions at the time of the incident. Vice Adm. Michelle Howard, the deputy commander of U.S. Fleet Forces Command, will serve as investigating officer to lead the command investigation. The probe will seek to determine if any fault or neglect took place, and who should take responsibility. Investigators also will identify areas where procedures need to be corrected. Rear Adm. Joseph Tofalo, the commander of Submarine Group 10, will oversee identification of causes and hazards, and recommend ways of avoiding future accidents. The Navy is evaluating the damage to both vessels, but said that Montpelier’s power plant was unaffected. Both ships are homeported at Norfolk Naval Station, Va.
