Posted on 02/13/2005 10:23:15 AM PST by NCSteve
fyi
After speaking with a very high level source and seeing pictures concerning this matter. I was advised that the corrected charts were available, but were not used. Outdated charts were used. Thus the mountain was there, but was not on the old charts. From time to time different routes are taken thus an old chart not needed to be updated was on file. When it came time to use this chart, the navigator did not make all corrections to update it. He is responsible for this, then the CO & XO. They will take the fall with him, but they can not do everyone's job. They must rely upon the trust and workmanship of others.
Not so. With modern prop designs and running deep you do not cavitate.
Navy photos of Submarine USS San Francisco in Dry Dock (you won't believe the extent of damage!)
It is thought that the Captain's mast has headed off possible Courts Martial and Civil suits.
If the parents of the deceased sailor pursue it, then he is subject to civil suit.
But I read from a submariner on another thread that the Captain's Mast was likely held to ward off the Courts Martial. I hope it has.
CDR Mooney was given this sub to turn around the morale, and he did it. Re-enlistments were way up after his assignment to the boat. Clearly he's a motivator and a great Captain. Sigh - too bad. He'll now be washed out. I can only say that I hope he has his "20" in so that he gets retirement.
I feel so sad for him - clearly we've invested a lot of training in him. His was a bright and rising star. But going at flank speed in the waters he was in was probably not the most terrific idea. (Yes, I have my tongue in my cheek.) But I agree with those who say that it was mentioned that he had older charts onboard that showed "muddy water" in the area - how are you supposed to check every chart you have onboard?? And if the operational charts weren't updated, what about the NOA? Doesn't anybody else on the boat share responsibility because of the charts? Or does all of the responsbility start and end with the Captain of the boat?
I also think that what he and the crew did, to get that highly damaged boat safely to port probably deserves a bunch of medals. How on earth did they do it? With so many injured, he was running with skeleton crews, and I read that some didn't sleep for 36 hours, until the boat was safely berthed in Guam (besides the Medic who stayed up, taking care of those who were injured).
Fair winds and high tides, CDR Mooney.
My sympathy is ALL for the dead sailor.
Good point. I wonder why the author chose that wording?
As a matter of fact, you can.
You took the words right out of my mouth. Been there, done that. *grin*
Have we heard whether it was a Yellow sounding?
Not to mention that single beam fathometers ain't all that good at 30 knots.
It means if he ever saw command again, it would likely be on an oiler in the North Sea or a fleet maintenance billet on Diego Garcia. He would likely get passed over a couple of times for promotion and after that, if he was smart, he would resign his commission and hope some corporation with less than scrupulous HR policies would pick him up.
As it is now, the military justice technicalities would likely be lost on someone in the private sector so he may be able to put this behind him, professionally that is. I doubt he'll get a good night's sleep any time soon, if ever.
ping
Not to mention that single beam fathometers ain't all that good at 30 knots.
Well now that the skipper is gone, looks like gilligan will sent in to turn around the boat.
Repeating this important piece of information for those who keep asking "but what about the discrepancy with the charts" or "why weren't they using sonar" or any of the other questions.
This is the failure of the Captain to pay attention to the information that the sonar ping gave him.
As I said before, "Fair winds and calm seas", CDR Mooney.
Of course the AOW, Machinery Room Watch/Diesel Operator and the like more than likely never operated, or had to lineup the Low Pressure Blow system like that before. I'm sure that ever crew in the submarine fleet has brushed up on the procedures and reviewed the snorkel safety circuit.
Commander Mooney will not be Court Martialed. Neither will he ever be subject to a civil suit.
Everybody.
Finally, a question I can answer!
Thanks. I knew the Captain's Mast has forestalled the Courts Martial, but wasn't sure about the civil suit.
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