Navy assault ship arrives at San Diego port after collision at sea with refueling tanker

SAN DIEGO — Sporting crumpled catwalks and smashed lifeboats, the U.S. Navy vessel USS Essex managed to glide into San Diego Bay on Thursday, 24 hours after colliding with a tanker when the aging warship’s steering apparently failed. Families of the crew aboard the “Iron Gator” waved homemade flags in celebration as the 21-year-old amphibious assault ship — which officials say needs to be overhauled — came into view through the morning’s thick marine layer. Loading... Comments Weigh In Corrections? Recommend Tweet Personal Post Wednesday’s midmorning crash 120 miles off the coast of Southern California resulted in no injuries or fuel spills....