Command Investigation into USS Connecticut’s South China Sea Seamount Grounding

May 23, 2022 4:45 PM - Updated: May 24, 2022 7:08 AM

The following is the command investigation into the Oct. 2, 2021 collision of attack submarine USS Connecticut (SSN-21) into an underwater seamount in the South China Sea.

From the investigation

On 2 October 2021, CONNECTICUT grounded on an uncharted bathymetric feature while operating submerged in a poorly surveyed area in international waters. This mishap was preventable. It resulted from an accumulation of errors and omissions in navigation planning, watchteam execution, and risk management that fell far below U.S. Navy standards. Prudent decision making and adherence to required procedures in any of these three areas could have prevented the grounding.

Injuries onboard CONNECTICUT were relatively minor. Eleven total crew members were physically injured.

CONNECTICUT will be unavailable for operations for an extended period of time due to damage sustained during the grounding. The propulsion plant was not affected.

Download the document here.

Sam LaGrone

Sam LaGrone

Sam LaGrone is the editor of USNI News. He has covered legislation, acquisition and operations for the Sea Services since 2009 and spent time underway with the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and the Canadian Navy.
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