Instapundit links to an article about the damage done to the USS Connecticut, an attack submarine in our Pacific Fleet. It seems that sometime in early October, the boat hit an uncharted seamount somewhere in the South China Sea.
Despite a virtual news blackout, information on America’s damaged Seawolf Class attack submarine, USS Connecticut (SSN-22), is starting to leak out. While details are scarce, the Pacific Fleet’s latest operational debacle has left the U.S. without a key undersea combatant. At a minimum, the USS Connecticut will be out of service for years, and there is a creeping realization that the damage may be significant enough to force the USS Connecticut into a premature retirement.
According to USN News, the CO, XO, and COB have all been relieved following an investigation into the accident.
Vice Adm. Karl Thomas, Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, relieved Cmdr. Cameron Aljilani as commanding officer, Lt. Cmdr. Patrick Cashin as Executive Officer, and Master Chief Sonar Technician Cory Rodgers as Chief of the Boat, of Seawolf-class fast-attack submarine USS Connecticut (SSN 22), on Nov. 04, 2021, due to loss of confidence. Thomas determined sound judgement, prudent decision-making and adherence to required procedures in navigation planning, watch team execution and risk management could have prevented the incident.
There is nothing I've seen about loss of life, so that is good. But, I can't imagine what it must be like to slam into an underwater seamount. If any of you Navy vets have any insight, then let me know.
1 comment:
Those in command are responsible unless they are female or African American.
Subs are "flying blind" in uncharted waters. Subs are fast, so when they become aware of an obstruction, it is because they have hit it. Parts of the ocean are mapped to the millimeter. The rest of the deep water is a death trap. If they use some kind of look-ahead sonar,they give their position away to opponents. The new subs go deep where they may encounter mountain/volcano peaks that didn't make the grade as "islands".
Some things you don't do, even if you can. Submaries are dangerous enough even if your commander isn't a hot-dog.
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