USS San Francisco (SSN 711) ran aground 7 January 2005

By: U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs Office

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii – The Los Angeles class submarine USS San Francisco (SSN 711) ran aground while conducting submerged operations approximately 350 miles south of the island of Guam today.

The incident occurred at approximately 4 p.m., Jan. 7, Hawaii Standard Time (12 noon, Jan. 8, 2005, Guam Time).

The extent of the injuries and damage aboard San Francisco is still being assessed, but includes one critical injury and several other lesser injuries. The submarine is on the surface and is making best speed back to their homeport in Guam.

There were no reports of damage to the reactor plant which is operating normally.

Military and Coast Guard aircraft are enroute to monitor and assist in the situation.

Further releases and announcements will be made as information becomes available.

For further updates and information, please contact the U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs Office at (808) 471-3769.

What did she hit? We have been receiving input from many Members who tell us that they read or saw on TV, that the American submarine USS SAN FRANCISCO hit SOMETHING underwater hard enough that 20 or her crew were injured, one of them seriously. Most assume that she ran aground, but the Pacific is too deep for that. We wonder if it is possible that she collided with the Chinese submarine that had been seen in the same area recently. Anyone have facts on that? Let us know.

From Rontini's Web Site

Posted by Flapper on Mon - Jan 10 - 1:41pm: From Rontini's Web Site

Assuming this info is accurate it's a freaking miracle, AND a testament to the seamanship this crew, that they made it back.

From the 900+ post Free republic thread:

The incident was very touch and go. They were at depth and near flank speed.The the petty officer at the helm immeadiatly did an emergency blow,(with a broken arm)to surface the ship.Zack's compartment was filling with water, and while looking for the source was sprayed in the face when he became aware it was not sea water. There were no hull breaches and no high pressure steam leaks.

Two of the ships three bow ballast tanks were compromised severly and a air pump rated only for intermittent service was employed for more than 30 hours to provide bouyancy in those tanks.There were two risky option to keep the boat afloat if there were a pump failure, thank goodness the pump held.

The hull of the ship actually accordioned. I would like to thank the welders who put her together.

Zack helped stop the bleeding from a severe head wound of one of his comrades(he was unconcious but is ok).He also was one of the first a assist the fallen sailor.
Thanks to all for your thoughts ,concerns,and especially your prayers.

The Free Republic thread

Posted by Dean Adams ET2(SS) USS San Francisco SSN-711 on Mon - Jan 10 - 11:52am:

First off I would like to thank everyone who has offered prayers for us over these past few days. It really means alot to the crew to know that the sub force cares about us.

Second, I know it's human nature to speculate but I have read the previous posts and they are way off.

Third, CDR. Mooney is a Capt in the finest sense of the word. No matter what happens, He is MY Captain!

Fourth, Rest in Peace shipmate to my fallen comrade Cooter. It's hard to type this as I am tearing up just thinking about his passing.

Lastly, I have just been able to go topside to see the extent of the damage and if not for the finest Captain and best crew in the sub force, She would not have brought us home. HOOOYAH San Francisco!!