Damaged Submarine

[Polak]

Auch!

At 12 noon, January 8, Guam Time, the USS SAN FRANCISCO, SSN-711, hit an uncharted undersea mountain while travelling at high speed about 500 ft below surface. The submarine was able to surface and head back to Guam. One critically injured sailor died January 9, while 23 other crewmen are treated for injuries by SEAL medical personnel that came aboard January 9. On its way back to Guam, the SAN FRANCISCO was escorted by USNS GYSGT FRED W. STOCKHAM (T-AK 3017) and USCGC GALVESTON ISLAND (WPB 1349). USNS KISKA (T-AE 35) as well as military aircraft stood by to assist if required.

USS SAN FRANCISCO arrived at Guam the afternoon of January 10. There were no reports of damage to the reactor plant which is operating normally.

The photos below show the SAN FRANCISCO dry-docked at Guam on January 27. Clearly visible is the heavy bow damage.

http://www.fas.org/main/content.jsp?...&contentId=396

[The Avon Lady]

That was Jan. 8 - last year.

[Bill Nichols]

Complete story, and more photos, here:

http://www.ssbn611.org/uss_san_francisco.htm

[Abraham]

Originally Posted by The Avon Lady

That was Jan. 8 - last year.

But still impressive pictures...

By the way, I wonder how she looks now.

[The Avon Lady]

Originally Posted by Abraham

But still impressive pictures...

By the way, I wonder how she looks now.

What do you mean?!

I look just fine, thank you!

[Polak]

Originally Posted by The Avon Lady

That was Jan. 8 - last year.

We're in 2006 now?? Not 2005?

[Marhkimov]

My dad was kinda ticked-off at the Navy when he heard about that incident... I guess I kinda agree with him.

We aren't in the stone age. Why don't they use topographical sonar or whatever tools they have?? I mean c'mon, we pay top tax dollar for that stuff. USE IT!!! AND USE IT CORRECTLY!!!

And what happened to underwater charts and maps? That was just plain ignorance on the Captain's part, as well as the US navy.

[lesrae]

Strange how opinions differ, I'm just thankful that the casualty figures weren't any worse.

Reminds me of Trafalgar's accident in 2002 ( http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/2416223.stm ) although that was at a lower speed and was more of a glancing blow (the port side of the fwd dome was ripped off). I know guys who were onboard and they say it was bad enough.

Interesting that I can't find any official reports or photos of the Traf accident in the public domain - just news stories - any updates gratefully received :O) http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/3545769.stm

[XabbaRus]

Apparently there was a US Navy guy doing the perisher course at the time. I don't know if he was commanding the sub but he was in the control station at the time.

[Mustang]

As I view these images the only thought that springs to mind is,
"ICEBERG!"

[U-104]

Originally Posted by The Avon Lady

What do you mean?!

I look just fine, thank you!

LOL

[bradclark1]

Look at that buckle. Amazing.

[Abraham]

Originally Posted by The Avon Lady

What do you mean?!

I look just fine, thank you!

I'm not doubting your looks at all, just wondering how you look right now.
...pfff!

Actually, I was only asking because you changed your avatar a few months ago. I'm curious if you were still wearing that cute little kevlar hat...

[diver]

We aren't in the stone age. Why don't they use topographical sonar or whatever tools they have?? I mean c'mon, we pay top tax dollar for that stuff. USE IT!!! AND USE IT CORRECTLY!!!

That would probably send un-informed whale-loving, sub-haters into fits of rage though.

[The Avon Lady]

Originally Posted by Abraham

Actually, I was only asking because you changed your avatar a few months ago. I'm curious if you were still wearing that cute little kevlar hat...

You'll get over it.