USS Connecticut (SSN-22) Damaged in Collision with "Underwater Object"

On 2 October, USS Connecticut (SSN-22), one of three Seawolf-class fast attack subs commissioned by the US Navy struck an as-yet unidentified "underwater object", damaging the bow of the boat and causing injuries to 10-20 of the ship's crew.

Intended to be the 21st century replacement for the Los Angeles-class (688) subs, the extreme cost (approx. $3 billion each) and the end of the Cold War saw just three Seawolves produced, USS Seawolf, USS Connecticut and the USS Jimmy Carter.

Sailing with the US 7th Fleet, the Connecticut's areas of operation include the Western Pacific, Indian Ocean, and other smaller bodies of water. The Navy has not released details as to where the ship was at the time of the incident, nor what it hit, only stating that the ship was in international waters in the "Indo-Pacific region", and that the other object was not a ship. The ship's nuclear plant was not damaged, and there is no indication of a radiation leak. Injuries sustained were described as non-life threatening, with the majority being "bumps, bruises and lacerations”.

The Connecticut limped into port at Guam on the 8th to be inspected, with three of the most seriously injured crew being transported to on-shore hospitals. Damage to the ship is unknown at this time, but a lengthy stay in drydock is anticipated, with replacement of the ship's sonar array almost certain, as well as intensive inspection and trials to determine shock damage to the ship's hull and systems.

-USS San Francisco in dry dock after striking a seamount in 2005

-USS San Francisco in dry dock after striking a seamount in 2005

The CO of the Connecticut will likely also be spending significant time on the beach, with the navigator, assistant nav, and quartermaster on duty also under scrutiny, if not immediately relieved and disciplined. Obviously, the Navy needs better maps of the area...