The Los Angeles Class attack submarine USS San Francisco ran aground approximately 350 miles south of Guam on January 8, 2005. The vessel was traveling at approximately 25 knots at a depth of 500 feet when it hit a previously uncharted seamount. Several sailors were injured in the collision, including one who died two days later from his injuries. The boat is now in dry dock. News emerged this past weekend that the Commander of the boat has been relieved of duty. The photo (right) shows some of the damage sustained.
[See additional photos]
[Read a letter from a sailor aboard San Francisco]
[Read the Situation Report (PDF)]
[Read the history of USS San Francisco]
Thanks for the link to Brian Frie’s letter. The precision in which military people under duress can accomplish goals is amazing. What these men achieved in bringing this submarine home is a credit not only to them, but to the quality of training that they received.Can you imagine the terror of being 500 feet below the surface and hitting something at that speed? If I were still conscious, I’d be quivering on the floor like a little girl. Not that there’s anything wrong with that.