The US Navy will spend $80 million to repair the nuclear-powered attack submarine USS Connecticut, which was severely damaged after colliding with an underwater mountain in the South China Sea

In autumn 2021, the nuclear-powered submarine USS Connecticut (SSN 22) collided with an unknown object in the South China Sea. The U.S. Navy has updated the status and cost of repairs.

Here's What We Know

USS Connecticut (SSN 22) collided with an underwater mountain. As a result of the impact, the submarine lost her sonar and bow. Despite this, she was able to make it to the island of Guam where she underwent a preliminary damage assessment.

The USS Connecticut (SSN 22) then stopped in San Diego before travelling to the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Puget Sound, Washington for repairs. On 12 July 2023, the nuclear-powered submarine was in dry dock.

The U.S. Navy's Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) would not disclose the submarine's whereabouts before it was placed in dry dock. It also declined to comment on how the sinking was avoided.

The USS Connecticut (SSN 22) is now at the Intermediate Maintenance Centre. The nuclear submarine is undergoing a procedure called Extended Dry-Docking Selected Restricted Availability (EDSRA). This is a type of dry-dock work that includes improvements of a non-capital nature.

Damage sustained by the USS Connecticut (SSN 22) in a collision with a seamount will be repaired during EDSRA. Last year's assessment indicated that the U.S. Navy would be able to fully recover the strike submarine. The propulsion system was not damaged by the impact and continues to operate normally.

ESDRA began on 12 July 2023. The U.S. Navy has allocated approximately $80 million for repairs and plans to return USS Connecticut (SSN 22) to service in early 2026. NAVSEA did not respond to questions about which parts from the old submarines could be used in the repairs and which parts would have to be made from scratch.

Source: Naval News