So, A Cruiser and a Sub Meet near a Sandbar (CG 56 & SSN 765)
Nov 06, 2012 15:54 UTCOn Oct 13/12, the Improved Los Angeles Class fast attack submarine USS Montpelier surfaced to periscope depth right in front of the the Ticonderoga Class guided missile cruiser USS San Jacinto, during maneuvers off of Florida. Fortunately, no one was hurt, and the submarine’s nuclear reactor wasn’t affected in any way. The ship and the boat each weigh several thousand tons, however, so even a “fender bender” means there’s going to be damage.
The damage in both cases appears to make repairs cost effective, but the US Navy is shrinking to a level where accidents and their long, unplanned fixes can create problems for the fleet as a whole. At this point, though, there’s nothing to be done except get on with it.
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