Navy ousts bigs for sea disasters

THE U.S. Navy fired two senior commanders in the Pacific region in connection with recent deadly collisions of Navy ships, as part of a sweeping purge of leadership in the Japan-based fleet.

Vice Adm. Phil Sawyer fired Rear Adm. Charles Williams and Capt. Jeffrey Bennett, citing a loss of confidence in their ability to command.

Last month, Vice Adm. Joseph Aucoin, who previously led 7th Fleet, was relieved of duty.