My son called last night about 1:30 am MST and said the sub made it into Port.
This was a bad collision and a traumatic experience for them all. They are lucky to be alive.
An answer to prayer. I'm so glad and relieved your son is o.k. and he was able to give you a call.
Luck and in no small measure the training and dedication of your son and the rest of San Fran's crew. Prayers to all.
Although I am no longer a submariner officially, I'm still a submariner at heart, and that heart goes out to my shipmates on the San Fran. I served with a sonarman who transferred over to the San Fran as she was leaving for Guam.
A few weeks before that happened, there was another death on that boat. An FT died in his sleep while underway. They found him in his rack when he didn't report for watch. Almost like that boat has a curse on it or something.
God bless the men of the San Francisco. God bless the men of the Silent Service.
The incident was very touch and go. They were at depth and near flank speed.The the petty officer at the helm immeadiatly did an emergency blow,(with a broken arm)to surface the ship.Zack's compartment was filling with water, and while looking for the source was sprayed in the face when he became aware it was not sea water. There were no hull breaches and no high pressure steam leaks.
Two of the ships three bow ballast tanks were compromised severly and a air pump rated only for intermittent service was employed for more than 30 hours to provide bouyancy in those tanks.There were two risky option to keep the boat afloat if there were a pump failure, thank goodness the pump held.
The hull of the ship actually accordioned. I would like to thank the welders who put her together.
Zack helped stop the bleeding from a severe head wound of one of his comrades(he was unconcious but is ok).He also was one of the first a assist the fallen sailor.
Thanks to all for your thoughts ,concerns,and especially your prayers.