Navy: USS Hue City fire could have been prevented

The Executive Officer of the USS Hue City has been relieved of his duties as the result of an investigation in to a fire that sparked while the ship was deployed.

The USS Hue City was at sea on April 14^th when the fire started. Nobody was injured and the crew was able to contain the flames so the ship stayed under its own power. It made an early return to Mayport, however, escorted by the USS Gettysburg.

US Fleet Forces Command tells us Lieutenant Commander John Liddle was found guilty during punishment proceedings following the fire investigation.  Liddle allegedly failed to comply with procedures which could have prevented the fire.

Investigators say the fire came from flammable material stored in an “unauthorized location”.

It is not yet clear who will replace Liddle, or what his next step will be.

The ship sustained more than $20 million in damage and is undergoing repairs.