THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Thursday, August 11, 1994              TAG: 9408110637
SECTION: LOCAL                    PAGE: B3   EDITION: FINAL 
                                             LENGTH: Short :   27 lines

REPORT ON SHIP COLLISION:

Navy investigators have concluded that a collision last year between an oiler and another ship it was refueling resulted from human and mechanical errors and caused $1.6 million in damages.

The collision occurred May 25, 1993, about 35 miles off Cape Hatteras, N.C., when the amphibious assault ship Guadalcanal, about to be refueled as it steamed alongside the replenishment oiler Monongahela, steered into and rammed the oiler on its left rear side.

Five crew members received minor cuts and bruises in the accident.

Investigators said an improperly wired steering compass alarm and overcompensation by a helmsman contributed to the accident. Inaction at the time on the part of a safety officer and engineer also were at fault.

Both ships were able to continue their mission, but returned to Norfolk for repairs. The Guadalcanal is scheduled for decommissioning Aug. 31.

KEYWORDS: ACCIDENT BOAT U.S. NAVY by CNB