Built by Newport News Shipbuilding in Newport News, Va.
A couple of questions. 1. Looking at the high res version, there are a lot shuttle-like tiles jarred lose arounf the bow. Are they some sort of sonar-absorbant material? 2. Is the damaged area, is it accessable by the crew under normal conditions? Newport News builds some tough boats. Can you imagine the reactions of the workers in dry dock when they finally saw the damage. Even the most hardened among them had to be in awe. After the collision, they sub had to have surfaced and some divers sent to have a look. Just amazing they made it to port.
Now known as Northrup/Grumman Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Company.
I agree with the speculation that she'll never go to sea again; you have no idea what that kind of a shock does to a vessel, and the hidden damage could be impossible to repair. There are a lot of lessons in shipbuilding to be learned, and you can bet that some of the best Marine Engineeers in the World are going over her as we speak.
Replacing the Passive Sonar Array alone would be astronomical in cost...not to mention that they don't just keep them laying around. A whole new array would have to be built.
I said in another forum, that the initial reports of a "grounding" didn't pass the smell test. This certainly wasn't just a grounding.
Again, outstanding Damage Control and a sharp crew saved this vessel, despite Mass Casualties and the tragic death of a crewmember. This is reminicient of the USS Stark, and the USS Cole DC efforts.
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