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.
Can't tell what you're looking at. I understand much of the new sonar systems are ceramic, but I have no idea if they look like what you're seeing.
2. Is the damaged area, is it accessable by the crew under normal conditions?
No. If you look at the visible damage farthest aft, you'll see the two torpedo tube doors. They're just ahead of the farthest forward part of the pressure hull (torpedo room there on the lowest deck... sonar equiptment room a couple above)
Newport News builds some tough boats.
You got that right. And some great guys crew these boats and bring them home. Remember that in time of war they hope to survive rather more "explosive" collisions... yeah, they build 'em tough.
I don't have any idea about either question. There are several former and possibly some current submariners that might be able to answer those questions.