Stricken sub Connecticut returns to maintenance after dry dock upgrade
By Geoff Ziezulewicz
Thursday, Jul 13
The fast-attack submarine Connecticut returns to the dry dock on July 12 following Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Washington, upgrades that officials say will allow the facility to better withstand a catastrophic earthquake. Connecticut grounded in the West Pacific in October 2021 and requires a raft of repairs, with officials hoping to see the elite boat return to operations in early 2026. (Navy)
The stricken fast-attack submarine Connecticut has returned to its Puget Sound Naval Shipyard dry dock in Washington state following construction work the Navy says will ensure the dock can better withstand a potential catastrophic earthquake.
Connecticut grounded during a mission in the West Pacific in October 2021, prompting a raft of reforms in the submarine community.
The stealthy and pricey Seawolf-class sub, one of just three, returned to the yard’s Dry Dock 5 on July 12 to continue repairs, with the boat expected to return to service in early 2026, according to Navy officials.
The Navy suspended submarine maintenance work at the four dry docks of the Puget Sound yard in January over concerns about whether they would hold up against a big earthquake, which could happen at any time due to a massive tectonic fault line off the Pacific Northwest coast.
https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2023/07/13/stricken-sub-connecticut-returns-to-maintenance-after-dry-dock-upgrade/
