Submarine Warfare Archives
The first of the 41 for freedom
By Bull Nav
Today marks a significant event in the history of this great nation. One that, unfortunately, far too few know about or even care about (I know Richard does).
From the commander of US Subvets Groton Base:
Before I get into this broadcast I want to take you back 50 years to 29 Dec 1959. We were already at war in a place that we would be hearing a lot about, a place called Viet Nam. The Cold War between the US, and the USSR was really hot. The next day would be a momentous day for the U.S., for the U.S. Navy, and for the U.S. Submarine Force. The would be an event that would change history and Submarine Warfare forever. The event on 30 Dec 1959 was the commissioning of the USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (SSBN 598). The GW was the first Fleet Balistic Missile Submarine to be commissioned by the U.S. Navy. The weapons that she would carry to sea were intended for deterrence, with the hopes that they would never have to be launched in anger. That arsenal of missles made the bombs that ended WWII in Hiroshima and Nagasaki look like fire crackers. The commissioning of the GW would mean that some where silently patrolling unknown to our enemies were the bombs that would take out the major cities in Russia. The commissioning of the GEORGE WASHINGTON laid the groundwork for 41 Submarines that would carry Polaris and Posieden missiles, and would become fondly known as the 41 for Freedom. Later as these Submarines came to the end of their useful lives, they were replaced by even more incredible Submarines, the TRIDENT Submarines. The groundwork laid by the GEORGE WASHINGTON's Commissioning on 30 Dec 1959 was the foundation for thousands of man years of the crews of all of those Submarines on Deterrent Patrols out of places like Rota Spain, Holyloch Scotland, Groton, Charleston, Kings Bay, Pearl Harbor, Guam, and Bangor Washington. All of those efforts were for peace, and deterrence in the hopes that Russians would not shoot first knowing what was being aimed at them. The men who brought USS GEORGE WASHINGTON to life that day, and the men who first sailed her were pioneers. With everything that followed them, we owe these pioneers a great debt of gratitude for what they accomplished. Many of our members served aboard the GW, and many others followed their initial lead. So to all those who brought GEORGE WASHINGTON to life, I would like to say thank you to each one of you for all that you did for the Submarine Force.
The sail of USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (SSBN598) on permanent display at the Submarine Museum in Groton, CT (photo: bullnav following the December drill weekend).
And 50 years ago...
GROTON, Conn. (June 9, 1959) - The ballistic-missile submarine USS George Washington (SSBN 589) slides down the ways during her launching ceremony at Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics Corporation, Groton, Conn. George Washington was originally scheduled to become USS Scorpion (SSN 589) but during her construction she was lengthened by the insertion of a 130-foot missile section and was finished as a fleet ballistic-missile submarine. George Washington was commissioned as the Navy's first nuclear-powered fleet ballistic-missile submarine on Dec. 30, 1959.
Our 14 Trident ballistic missile submarines still patrol the seas today, the submariners aboard them making a different type of sacrifice from those in daily combat, yet just as necessary.
Take a few minutes today to remember the SSBN sailors who spent years of their lives as our most survivable arm of the nuclear triad.
Russkies Knocking on the Front Door?
By Bull Nav
Glad to see our friends are back.
A top Russian general shrugged off two nuclear-powered Russian attack submarines that have been spotted off the U.S. East Coast, saying that they are part of regular patrols and in line with normal international practice.
...
U.S. defense officials said Tuesday that the Russian submarines had been patrolling in international waters for several days. While the activity was reminiscent of the Cold War, the U.S. officials said the submarines had done nothing to provoke concern.
What are they up to? More importantly, why is this in the news?
For some reason, they accuse us of the same.
Nogovitsyn said the patrols were “a normal thing” and suggested the U.S. also has submarines patrolling near Russia.
I can't imagine why they would make that accusation. After all, we are all friends now.
ASDS: Stick a fork in it, it's done
By Bull Nav
After the fire last November, and the fact that the hull had to be sealed for several hours before it stopped, I wondered what they were going to do with this one-of-a-kind system.
The career of a small, one-of-a-kind mini-submarine intended to carry U.S. special operations troops for covert operations has come to an apparent end, a victim of the high cost of repairs after an accidental fire burned out the vessel’s interior.
As you can probably guess, repair costs were the reason.
Although an investigation still hasn’t determined what caused the fire, the Navy estimates repairs to the 60-ton craft would cost $237 million, or $180 million more than the craft’s operating budget, and take nearly three years to complete.
A great idea, the ASDS unfortunately was a disaster. I remember back in the mid-90's when we were told that there would be several of these and that Submarine Officers would be the pilots. It was delivered 13 years late, waaaay over budget, and ended at one hull.
My hope would be that something like this would be the exception, but I am afraid that with the way our weapons systems development/procurement processes are going, it is the norm.
USS HAWAII (SSN776) AWARDED THE USCG MUC
By Bull Nav
(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Steven Myers/Released)
USS HAWAII (SSN776), commanded by CDR Ed Herrington, VMI '89, was awarded the US Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation yesterday for their work during a deployment last year.
GROTON, Connecticut – Virginia-class submarine USS Hawaii (SSN 776) became only the second Naval submarine in history to receive the U.S. Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation during a presentation ceremony on May 7th for its role in tracking drug runners and helping to keep illegal drugs off the nation's streets.
The Groton-based submarine earned the award for its part in counter-drug operations in the Eastern Pacific Ocean in support of Joint Interagency Task Force (JIATF) South from February 20 to April 17 last year.
Of course, we are not going to find out exactly what they did.
"Really, all we can talk about is that we supported counter drug operations in Southern Command (SOUTHCOM)," said Cmdr. Edward Herrington, Hawaii's Commanding Officer.
Congratulations to the whole crew of HAWAII as it truly takes a team effort to make that happen. In particular, congratulations to my BR Ed Herrington for having such a great ship.
Keep up the outstanding work!
Hartford: 85-degree roll?
By Bull Nav
That's what Navy Times is reporting.
Investigators think the attack submarine Hartford rolled 85 degrees after it collided with the amphibious transport dock New Orleans in the Strait of Hormuz on March 20, according to a Navy statement.
Not to mention, there was some more damage.
“Despite the roll, engineering investigations have confirmed the propulsion plant of the submarine was unaffected by this collision,” the statement said. “However, Hartford sustained damage to its sail and periscope, as well as the port bow plane.”
The collision punched a 16-by-18 foot hole in New Orleans’ fuel tank, and two interior ballast tanks were damaged, the statement said.
I had heard that the bow plane was damaged, and after examining my model of SCRANTON, it appeared to me that the ship would have to roll at least 75 degrees in order for the bottom of NEW ORLEANS to come in contact with the port bow plane (assuming that the bow of NEW ORLEANS struck the sail of HARTFORD). Also, I noticed that in no picture of HARTFORD was either periscope raised, leading me to conclude that something could have happened to them, too.
They will be spending a long time there getting fixed. Keep the crew in your thoughts and prayers as they have a lot of work to do.
HARTFORD damage photos
By Bull Nav
Courtesy of the Navy website and Navy Times, there are some telling pictures out today on the damage this fine warship suffered.
090321-N-9909C-211 BAHRAIN (March 21, 2009) The Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Hartford (SSN 768) pulls into Mina Salman pier in Bahrain where U.S. Navy engineers and inspection teams will asses and evaluate damage that resulted from a collision with the amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18) in the Strait of Hormuz March 20. Overall damage to both ships is being evaluated. The incident remains under investigation. Hartford is deployed to the U.S. 5th fleet area of responsibility to support maritime security operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Cmdr. Jane Campbell/Released)
CMDR. JANE CAMPBELL / NAVY / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS This photo released by the U.S. Navy shows the Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Hartford pulling into Mina Salman pier in Bahrain on Saturday.
There will be more to follow. Suffice it to say this is bad.
1000th Trident Submarine Deterrent Patrol
By Bull Nav
Today marks a significant event for our 14 Trident SSBNs.
KINGS BAY NAVAL SUBMARINE BASE, Ga. — A coastal Georgia military base is celebrating a milestone for the Navy’s fleet of nuclear-armed submarines — the 1,000th patrol since the first Trident missile sub launched in 1981.
Since 1960, our fleet of ballistic missile carrying submarines have patrolled the oceans carrying their nuclear payload. Conceived during the Cold War, these submariners have toiled in silence through good times and bad. During the Viet Nam War, through the '70s, the Reagan build up, and the peaceful era that was the '90s. From 9/11/01 to the present, these sailors have put their lives on hold for months at a time to conduct the strategic deterrent patrols which are necessary to our national security.
Tip a glass this evening to the success of these fine ships in that they have never had to launch in anger (thanks, Richard!).
Undersea Collision
By Bull Nav
Colliding with any vessel is bad.
Colliding at depth just plain sucks.
BRITISH and French nuclear submarines which collided deep under the Atlantic could have sunk or released deadly radioactivity, it emerged last night.
The Royal Navy’s HMS Vanguard and the French Navy’s Le Triomphant are both nuclear powered and were carrying nuke missiles.
Other than the slightly sensational lead-in, how significant is this? Well any time two ships collide is bad. When you are deep and can't see outside, it can be sheer terror...or you might not even notice. This is not the first time two submarines of different countries have hit each other, and it probably won't be the last. It is the first submarine accident in some time, so perhaps that is why it made the headlines over the last day or so.
Don't believe me? If you Google "submarine collisions" you get 148,000 hits. Lots of info out there...
Friday the 13th Underway
By Bull Nav
Well, it's Friday the 13th, and 11 years ago to the day, we got underway on the mighty USS SCRANTON (SSN756) for a scheduled North Atlantic deployment. This was pretty standard, and it was supposed to last about 4 1/2 months. My wife was 4 months pregnant at the time, so I knew I was most likely going to miss the birth, but it looked like I would be home within days of the birth.
Turns out, we got extended. My son was two months old by the time I got home.
We did get three port calls: Faslane, Scotland; Haakonsvern, Norway; and Rotterdam, The Netherlands. Spent something like 21 days in port out of 178 deployed.
Ahhhh, for the good old days of "Peace."
Honoring those lost at sea
By Bull Nav
I first came here to NAVSUBASE New London in 1990 to attend the Submarine Officer Basic Course. After a year of nuclear power training, it was a welcome respite in the realm of submarine tactics, training us to actually operating the submarine as a warship instead of operating a reactor plant.
It was not that academically strenuous as the nuke side had been, so we enjoyed much alcohol and fun in the surrounding area (primarily Mystic).
Six years later, I returned, this time for the Submarine Officer Advanced Course (SOAC) which is the Submarine Force Department Head course. This is all strategy and tactics. Learning tactics, weapons employment, etc. Very intense, but we were so focused: this would lead to submarine command. Six months it lasted...and I lived in a room right across the hall from that which tonight I occupy.
A year later, we came up here (my boat, that is, the mighty USS SCRANTON (SSN756)) for predeployment training. Two weeks of classroom training and Attack Trainer sessions, 18 hours a day...
Throughout all those times up here, I noticed that not a thing had changed.
When I passed through the main gate last month, the only thing I could immediately discern was the improved barricades and security. Otherwise, this place could have been in a time capsule. The CBQ has not changed, the roads have not been repaved, it's all the same...
But not really.
The streets on base here are all name for lost submarines from WW II. I knew that my previous times here, but never gave it much thought. Last month, I clearly noticed that the street signs had been changed.
The street signs now also contain the date the boat was lost and the number of submariners lost that date. SHARK, SCORPION, HARDER, GRAYLING...TANG.
Remember.
Sub Base New London
By Bull Nav
So I spent the weekend in the cold, inhospitable landscape of the Submarine Base at Groton, CT (not that Michigan or Illinois is not cold or inhospitable, the words just seem to work for Connecticut).
As I drove in the main gate on Friday night, it felt a little like coming home. No shit, it looked almost exactly like the last time I was there, which was for a two week Pre-Deployment training period my boat spent there in September 1997. Not to mention, the 6 months I spent living in the BOQ in 1996 or the 3 months I spent there in 1990...
Sure, the main gate has changed (which one hasn't?) but otherwise it was the same. Rosie's is still there on Route 12...
I am drilling with NR COMSUBDEVRON 12 DET A now, and I am pretty fired up. We work with the Tactical Analysis Group (TAG) and I have a great quote from them:
Keep pace with technology, but don't confuse technology with tactics.
Traded one base for another, a group of Naval Aviators for a group of Submariners, and a 4 1/2 hour drive for a not-inexpensive flight.
The best part is that you can see the submarine piers from the CBQ...
Fuck yeah, I am ready to go.
(And this blogging thing from an airport is pretty cool...)
ASDS Fire
By Bull Nav
(Photo: Honolulu Star Bulletin)
The one and only Advanced SEAL Delivery System mini-sub caught fire the other day.
The black, 65-foot Advanced SEAL Delivery System minisub was undergoing routine maintenance in its shore-based facility at 8:30 p.m. Sunday when Navy personnel monitoring the battery recharging process noticed sparks and flames coming from near some of the battery compartments, officials said.
It took a while to put the fire out.
The building was immediately evacuated, and seven trucks and 25 federal firefighters responded but it took six hours to extinguish the fire and cool any remaining hot spots in the battery compartment, the Navy reported yesterday.
This thing is a great idea. The usual Swimmer Delivery System consists of the Swimmer Delivery Vehicle which is housed inside a drydeck shelter atop a SSGN. The SEALS exit the submarine into the drydeck shelter, it is flooded down and equalized with sea pressure, and then they drive the SDV away. Yes, they are wearing breathing gear, but they are continuously exposed to the seawater environment. It takes a physical toll on the SEALs while in transit to the mission area.
The ASDS on the other hand transports the SEALs in a dry environment so that they are rested and ready to go once they arrive at the mission area. Originally conceived in the early 1990s, there were originally supposed to be six built. The ASDS can be mated to specially configured LOS ANGELES fast attack submarines.
This is the only one.
The battery-powered minisub, designed to ride piggyback on an attack sub to within range of a hostile coast or other target, has been part of a troubled program that began in 1992. The vessel was delivered to the U.S. Naval Special Warfare Command in 2001 and assigned to Pearl Harbor's SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team 1 in 2003.There were initial problems with its propeller system, then problems with the electrical system and batteries.
A 2003 General Accounting Office report said the electrical system repeatedly shorted out and drained its silver-zinc batteries more quickly than the Navy projected. The zinc batteries were replaced with lithium-ion batteries.
The GAO report said the program, which initially called for six vessels, was to cost $527 million but rose to more than $2 billion.
Defense Industry Daily reported in April that "technical, reliability, and 400 percent cost overrun issues proved nearly insuperable." Plans for six subs were halted in 2006, and the remaining ongoing effort was directed "to boost the performance of the existing sub and complete its operational testing," the publication said.
I remember being on my first boat and hearing that by the time I got to our Department Head school, they would be looking for Submarine Qualified officers for pilots. Only once did I hear that, then you did not hear about it for a while.
Unfortunately, this is yet another example of our lack of shipbuilding ability. This would give us a capability unlike any other nation, and now our only one is wrecked. The Lithium Ion batteries used represent one of the most advanced battery technologies available, yet as far as I know it is not quite mature. Your car battery uses a lead-acid system, while Hybrid-electric vehicles use Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH). One day it is expected that Lithium Ion batteries will be used in Hybrids, but we are not there yet. In fact, I am surprised that the Navy is using it in the ASDS.
This fire is very bad, and will probably render the ASDS unable to go to sea for quite some time. One might consider this as the loss of a one-of-a-kind strategic asset.
I am looking forward to the investigation.
Another Fast Boat Commissioned
By Bull Nav
080503-N-2888Q-044 WILMINGTON, N.C. (May 3, 2008) Crew members render salutes as they officially bring the newest Virginia-class nuclear attack submarine USS North Carolina (SSN 777) to life during her commissioning ceremony. North Carolina is the fourth Virginia-class submarine to be commissioned and the first major U.S. Navy combatant vessel class designed with the post-Cold War security environment in mind. North Carolina will be homeported in Groton, Conn., as a member of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Lucy M. Quinn (Released)
The VIRGINIA Class SSN's are some incredible boats, with innovative design features.
I hope we build enough of them...
108 Years Ago
By Bull Nav
On 11 April 1900, the Navy took delivery of the first submarine, SS-1. Since then, today has always marked the birthday of the Submarine Force.
From those humble beginnings, it grew to have a significant impact on the war with Japan. While comprising less than 2% of the Navy, the Submarine Force accounted for 55% of all Japanese ships sunk during World War II.
Today, about 3% of the Navy manpower (about 10,000 men) man the 52 SSNs, 14 SSBNs, and 4 SSGNs that comprise the force (about 21% of our total combatants). Though you don't hear of them much in this day an age of the Global War on Terror, OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM, and OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM, rest assured that those guys are going to sea and making significant contributions.
It is not for nothing, that our Submarine Force is referred to as the "Silent Service." During the '90s while the number of submarines was cut in half, worldwide combatant commander requirements increased 1000%. SSNs went to sea for months at a stretch, in radio silence. Likewise the SSBNs continued with their deterrent patrols, just as they have since the days of the 41 for Freedom.
They are always out there, always on patrol or on a mission.
Happy Birthday!
For more info, go to the SUBLANT history or the USS NAUTILUS (SSN571) Museum website.
Also, The Subreport has a daily roundup of submarine-related issues.
UPDATE: Since LtCol P asked (and Richard answered quite nicely) in the comments, I did not realize some folks might not know what the SSGN is. You can go to the SUBLANT site here to see the detail on the conversion of the first 4 Tridents to carry up to 154 Tomahawk Cruise missles, and a whole bunch of SPECWAR folks.
USS THRESHER (SSN593)
By Bull Nav
It was 45 years ago today that we lost the first of two nuclear submarines.
The USS THRESHER (SSN593), the first of a new class of fast attack submarines, was lost with all hands while conducting sea trials off the coast of Massachusetts.
The Navy quickly figured out what went wrong and made some sweeping operational and material changes (to include implementation of the SUBSAFE Program) which significantly enhanced subarine operations.
There will be a memorial service this Saturday in Kittery, ME.
Happy Birthday, USS JEFFERSON CITY (SSN759)
By Bull Nav
(Photo: USS JEFFERSON CITY Website)
Ah, my first boat, that on which I qualified Submarines and on which I am a Plankowner.
It was a cold, clear, blustery day at Pier 23 on Norfolk Naval Base.
The crew was formed up in ranks at the back of a pavilion on the pier, when the wind really picked up. The tent posts at the front began to weaken and the lines securing the tent began to come undone. The SUBLANT Chief of Staff, a likeable man name CAPT Al Konetzni (Big Al, the Sailor's Pal) came back and started grabbing guys to go up and hold the tent posts.
I remember him clearly saying, "A case of beer to everyone who comes up and keeps this thing from blowing down."
Eventually, the entire crew, with the exception of the Chiefs and Officers was up front, holding onto the tent posts to keep them from snapping.
When the order was given to "Man the rails" we ran across the brow and stood at attention topside, just barely keeping our footing. I remember feeling like we were going to get blown into the Elizabeth River...and did I say it was cold?
No one was knocked off the boat and the ceremony was cut short to allow everyone to head across the base for the reception.
Two days later we got underway for some fun in the VACAPES.
No Sonar in the SOCALs
By Bull Nav
Well, once again, a court has decided that it knows what is best for the country:
LOS ANGELES (AP) ― A federal judge says the Navy must follow environmental laws placing strict limits on sonar training.
So the ball is now back into the President's court, while our ASW readiness continues to be affected because some people would attempt to protect the environment based on faulty (or no) data (and where have we heard that before?).
ASW - Anti-submarine Warfare - is not an easy game. The primary tool surface ships have is active sonar, which is when you put sound energy into the water and look for a "return" similar to a radar return. In the undersea environment, there can be lots of things that cause false returns: schools of fish, whales, ships, and undersea mountains, just to name a few. When the operators get little to no practice, they will not be ready when a real situation comes along.
Therefore, as I see it, these judges are affecting readiness and the ability of the Navy to do its part, as chartered by Congress, to defend the country. Making decisions based on feelings and a serious lack of data are going to cost us one day in a big way.
These guys need to back off, and let the Navy train the way it needs to train.
A VMI Man Makes a Cameo
By John
Ever since my VMI days, I've been a huge fan of Robert Kaplan. Back when I was a second classman, one of my professors had us read The Coming Anarchy. From then on out, I was hooked. I couldn't put Imperial Grunts down, and Balkan Ghosts is pretty much required reading for any military leadership deployed to Kosovo.
Right now I'm in the middle of Hog Pilots, Blue Water Grunts.... Kaplan's latest. So imagine my delight when, on page 146, I found a good friend and Brother Rat highlighted in a chapter that covered Kaplan's embeds on the USS Benfold and USS Houston.
Prior to departure, lunch was served in the officers' wardroom- a replica of the Benfold's, though so much smaller that the Formica-covered walls seemed almost to breathe. Instead of a picture of Eddie Benfold, there was, there was the Houston's insignia, featuring the American and Texan flags, along with the Latin words for "Always Vigilant." The officers sat jammed together, making light fun of a Virginia Military Institute graduate at the end of the table, Ensign David Bartles of Falling Waters, West Virginia, who, they told me, could never stop talking about how superior VMI was to the Naval Academy and every other institution of higher learning.
Try to picture the size of my sh*t-eating grin after reading that. My buddy Bartles (we never called him Dave), one of the most junior officers on the ship, sitting around the wardroom telling higher ranking officers that their schools sucked.... well, compared to VMI at least.
Bartles, by the way, was one of the sharpest guys in our class. He graduated number 2 in our class, and (I believe) top graduate in a Mechanical Engineering program that started with 60+ cadets our Rat year and was down to 10 by the time of graduation. He breezed through the rigorous Navy Nuke School in Charleston, as well as navy Dive School.
Those are the type of brains that it takes to get into the submarine service, or so I hear. Why do you think we let Bullnav post here???
Another great Submariner from the greatest generation passes
By Bull Nav
I just found out that one of the greatest submariners ever, winner of the MOH, 4 Navy Crosses and a DSC has passed away:
CNO Statement on Passing of Retired Rear Adm. Eugene Fluckey
Release Date: 6/30/2007 1:34:00 PM
Special from Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Mullen
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Every man and woman serving our Navy today joins me in mourning the death of retired Rear Adm. Eugene Fluckey, recipient of the Medal of Honor and a true naval hero. We extend humbly to his family our thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathies in this, their time of great grief and sorrow.
He was a true leader. Bold, innovative, he truly cared about his men.
In his final war patrol report as commanding officer of USS Barb, he had this to say about his crew: “What wordy praise can one give such men as these; men who … follow unhesitatingly when in the vicinity of minefields so long as there is the possibility of targets … Men who flinch not with the fathometer ticking off two fathoms beneath the keel … Men who will fight to the last bullet and then start throwing the empty shell cases. These are submariners.”
He will be sorely missed.
Bubblehead also has it.
A Submarine Underway
By Bull Nav
Ladies and Gentlemen: good evening. For your reading pleasure this weekend, I offer you a tale of a submarine getting underway and going to sea. I hope you find it acceptable.
On with the show…
On the 1MC: "Station the Maneuvering Watch."
For a submarine this announcement has the same meaning as, "Station the Special Sea and Anchor Detail" on a surface ship (you know, those big gray things that can submerge only once). Whether the ship is getting underway or is entering port, it means man stations per the approved watchbill. Typically the most experienced and proficient folks are the ones in key positions, and you have extra watches manned due to the unique nature of leaving or entering port. Additionally, a navigation brief has been held by the ship's Navigator for all the key watch standers to fully brief the upcoming evolution. This way you know what to expect in the way of traffic, tides and currents, weather, specific navigation aids, turns and turn bearings, etc.
By the time this announcement is made the Officer of the Deck (OOD) should already be suited up and on the bridge in order to take the watch. If in port, this requires relieving the Ship's Duty Officer (SDO) and assuming the deck and the conn.
In this case, I was ready to go.
Read More »
Submarine not missing
By Bull Nav
It appears that there were indications last night that USS SAN JUAN (SSN751) may have been in trouble
NORFOLK (NNS) -- During the early evening of March 13, units of the USS Enterprise Carrier Strike Group (CSG) received a series of indications that USS San Juan (SSN 751), a Los Angeles class submarine conducting pre-deployment training with the Enterprise CSG, was in distress.
However, the excitement was short-lived
Fortunately, the submarine established communications in the early morning hours of March 14, and indicated that there were no problems; hence, units were able to stand down from the search and rescue that was already well underway.
There are certain things a submarine can do to indicate it is in trouble. Shooting a red flare is one of them.
Losses of communications, followed by the reported sighting of a red flare, are distress indicators. These indicators, combined with establishing communications with only two of the three submarines operating with the Enterprise CSG, was sufficient information to activate missing submarine procedures.
Navy News has the whole statement. Once again we see that even during exercises, there is no room for error and that we take enormous risks every time we go to sea. The last time we lost a submarine was in 1968. I will have a cold one for those guys tonight...
UPDATE:The Sub Report has links to a lot of the articles out there about this issue.
UPDATE TWO: CBS News reported that a SUBSUNK message was sent at about 0330 this morning. That is significant because it meant the families were notified.
The timeline appears to be: 1930 - red flare sighted. Attempts made to contact all three subs. Two were contacted. The SJ was not. 2200 - SJ does not communicate per a previously agreed upon plan. 0530 - SJ communicates when it thought it was supposed to. It will be interesting to see what the investigation finds.
Submarine Week!!!
By Bull Nav
OK, if you don't have the Military Channel on your cable or satellite provider, get it now. Next Monday they start Submarine Week, and what will obviously be the greatest week in the history of the Military Channel. Watch and learn, and send me any questions you may have...
