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Crashes force US Navy to review Gulf operations

A string of deadly accidents in the Asia-Pacific Theater could have major impacts on US Navy operations in the Persian Gulf.
US and Qatari navy vessels are seen during a joint military exercise between Qatar and the US navy, in Doha, on June 16, 2017. 
The United States agreed a $12-billion warplane sale to Qatar and began manoeuvres with its military on June 15, re-affirming support for the emirate in the throes of a diplomatic crisis with its neighbours. / AFP PHOTO / KARIM JAAFAR        (Photo credit should read KARIM JAAFAR/AFP/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON — The US Navy is reviewing its operations in the Persian Gulf following a series of high-profile crashes on the other side of the globe that have killed more than 20 sailors over the past few months.

While the accidents have all occurred in the Asia-Pacific Theater, the entire US fleet was ordered to take a daylong “operational pause” last month to review basic seamanship and teamwork. Concerns that the Navy is stretched too thin and that crews are skimping on regular training are resonating far and wide.

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