What Is 2009 USS Port Royal grounding

Content on WhatAnswers is provided "as is" for informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees. Content is AI-assisted and should not be used as professional advice.

Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2009 USS Port Royal grounding occurred on February 5, 2009, when the U.S. Navy guided-missile cruiser USS Port Royal (CG-73) ran aground on a reef off the coast of Oahu, Hawaii. The ship was stranded for over 12 hours before being refloated, resulting in $10 million in damages.

Key Facts

USS Port Royal ran aground on February 5, 2009, near Honolulu, Hawaii
The ship was stuck on a reef for more than 12 hours
Damage to the vessel totaled approximately $10 million
No injuries were reported among the 277 crew members
The grounding occurred due to navigational errors and lack of proper oversight

Overview

The USS Port Royal (CG-73), a Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser, ran aground on a coral reef south of Honolulu International Airport on February 5, 2009. The incident occurred during a routine change of command ceremony, with the ship en route to Pearl Harbor. Despite clear weather, the vessel deviated from its intended course and became stuck on a reef in shallow waters.

After more than 12 hours stranded, the Navy successfully refloated the ship using tugboats and high tide. The grounding caused significant damage to the hull and propulsion system, requiring extensive repairs. An official investigation later revealed that human error and inadequate navigation practices were the primary causes.

Navigational error: The ship's navigation team failed to update its position using GPS, relying instead on outdated radar data, leading to a miscalculation of its location near the reef.
Date of incident: The grounding occurred on February 5, 2009, around 8:30 AM local time, just south of the Honolulu Airport runway.
Location: The USS Port Royal grounded on a shallow reef approximately half a mile offshore in about 30 feet of water.
Crew size: There were 277 personnel aboard at the time, none of whom sustained injuries during the incident.
Environmental impact: The grounding damaged approximately 18,000 square feet of coral reef, prompting environmental cleanup and restoration efforts.

Causes and Contributing Factors

An internal Navy investigation identified multiple failures in bridge operations and leadership oversight. The officer of the deck and navigation team were found to have ignored standard procedures, contributing to the accident.

Lack of supervision:The commanding officer was absent from the bridge during critical navigation, violating standard operational protocols for ship movement in confined waters.
Overreliance on automation: Crew members depended heavily on automated systems without cross-checking with manual navigation tools, reducing situational awareness.
Failure to monitor position: The ship did not update its GPS position for over an hour, allowing it to drift 0.7 nautical miles off course before grounding.
Distraction during change of command: The upcoming command transfer diverted attention from navigation duties, creating a lapse in operational focus.
Bridge resource management failure: Watchstanders did not communicate effectively, and no one challenged the incorrect course despite visible warning signs.
Speed and tide conditions: The ship was moving at 13 knots in shallow waters during low tide, reducing maneuverability and increasing grounding risk.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparison of the USS Port Royal grounding with other notable U.S. Navy ship groundings in the 21st century:

Incident	Date	Location	Damage Cost	Primary Cause
USS Port Royal grounding	February 5, 2009	Oahu, Hawaii	$10 million	Navigational error, lack of supervision
USS Guardian grounding	January 17, 2013	Tubbataha Reef, Philippines	$25 million	Incorrect digital charts, human error
USS Hartford collision	March 20, 2009	Strait of Hormuz	$125 million	Submarine surfacing error
USS John S. McCain collision	August 21, 2017	Singapore Strait	$100 million	Bridge mismanagement, fatigue
USS Fitzgerald collision	June 17, 2017	Japan coast	$300 million	Failure to avoid merchant vessel

This comparison highlights recurring issues in U.S. Navy operations, including overreliance on technology, human error, and inadequate training. The USS Port Royal incident was a precursor to later high-profile accidents, prompting reforms in navigation protocols and bridge resource management.

Why It Matters

The USS Port Royal grounding was a wake-up call for the U.S. Navy, exposing systemic weaknesses in training, leadership, and operational discipline. It underscored the risks of complacency, even in routine operations.

Policy changes: The Navy implemented stricter navigation standards and mandatory bridge watch training following the incident.
Leadership accountability: The commanding officer was relieved of duty, emphasizing the importance of command presence during critical maneuvers.
Environmental consequences: The reef damage led to a $1.8 million restoration project funded by the Navy.
Reputation impact: The incident damaged public confidence in Navy operational readiness during peacetime missions.
Financial cost: Total repairs and environmental mitigation amounted to over $12 million, diverting funds from other priorities.
Precedent for future reforms: Lessons from the grounding influenced safety protocols before later accidents involving the USS Fitzgerald and USS John S. McCain.

The grounding of the USS Port Royal remains a case study in naval safety, illustrating how procedural lapses can lead to costly and preventable disasters, even in favorable conditions.