Coronavirus outbreak hits second US Navy ship. 50 sick aboard destroyer USS Kidd

Nearly 50 sailors aboard the destroyer USS Kidd have tested positive for coronavirus, making it the second military ship hit by an outbreak, reports the U.S. Navy.

Two crew members have been medically evacuated to the United States for treatment, while 15 more are being treated on a medical ship, according to the Navy. None are in intensive care or on ventilators.

The destroyer’s home port is in Everett, Washington, NPR reported.

“I am an optimist, but make no mistake. KIDD is in a fight right now, against COVID and against anyone out there who might want to capitalize on what they perceive as a weakness,” wrote executive officer Cmdr. Matt Noland in a post to the ship’s Facebook page. “Destroyers are tough ships that breed tough Sailors. Warfighters. We’ve got this.”

The USS Kidd, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, is en route to San Diego, California, according to the U.S. Naval Institute.

That class of destroyers typically carries a crew of 329, according to the America’s Navy website.

It’s the second major outbreak on a U.S. Navy vessel since hundreds fell sick aboard the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt, NPR reported.

One sailor aboard the Roosevelt died, while 955 sailors have fallen ill, the U.S. Navy reported. Fourteen have recovered. None of the sick are in intensive care.

The full USS Theodore Roosevelt crew has now been tested for coronavirus, according to the Navy. About 45% of the USS Kidd crew has been tested.

Navy leaders have recommended reinstating Capt. Brett E. Crozier to his command of the USS Theodore Roosevelt, The New York Times reported. He was removed after sending an open letter pleading for help for his crew as the coronavirus outbreak spread aboard the ship.

This story was originally published April 27, 2020 at 6:04 PM with the headline "Coronavirus outbreak hits second US Navy ship. 50 sick aboard destroyer USS Kidd."