At 12 noon, January 8, Guam Time, the USS SAN FRANCISCO hits an unchartered undersea mountain while travelling at high speed about 500 ft below surface. The submarine is able to surface and head back to Guam. One critically injured sailor died January 9, while 23 other crewmen are treated for injuries by SEAL medical personnel that came aboard January 9. On its way back to Guam, the SAN FRANCISCO is escorted by USNS GYSGT FRED W. STOCKHAM (T-AK 3017) and USCGC GALVESTON ISLAND (WPB 1349). USNS KISKA (T-AE 35) as well as military aircraft stood by to assist if required.
USS SAN FRANCISCO arrived at Guam the afternoon of January 10.
There were no reports of damage to the reactor plant which is operating normally.
The photos below show the SAN FRANCISCO dry-docked at Guam on January 27. Clearly visible is the heavy bow damage.
On May 9, 2005, the Navy announced the completion of the investigation into the accident. The report states that "The findings of fact show that SAN FRANCISCO, while transiting at flank (maximum) speed and submerged to 525 feet, hit a seamount that did not appear on the chart being used for navigation," and that "Other charts in SAN FRANCISCO’s possession did, however, clearly display a navigation hazard in the vicinity of the grounding. SAN FRANCISCO’s navigation team failed to review those charts adequately and transfer pertinent data to the chart being used for navigation, as relevant directives and the ship’s own procedures required." The report continues "If SAN FRANCISCO’s leaders and watch teams had complied with requisite procedures and exercised prudent navigation practices, the grounding would most likely have been avoided. Even if not wholly avoided, however, the grounding would not have been as severe and loss of life may have been prevented."
"Earlier evacuation or arrival of medical officers would not have changed the outcome for [Petty Officer] Ashley" the investigation said in regard to the two additional medical personnel flown aboard by helicopter and two attempts to medically evacuate him by helicopter.
Another 97 of 137 crew members reported injuries ranging from minor bruising and muscle strains to two who suffered dislocated shoulders. Sixty-eight of them were evaluated and treated aboard, while the remaining 29 were treated at Naval Hospital Guam when SAN FRANCISCO returned to port under her own power January 10. Just three of them were admitted overnight for further evaluation and treatment.
As a result of the collision, U.S. 7th Fleet Commander Vice Adm. Jonathan W. Greenert relieved Cmdr. Kevin Mooney of his command of SAN FRANCISCO February 12 following non-judicial punishment proceedings in Yokosuka, Japan. Mooney also received a letter of reprimand.
But Greenert, in his endorsement of the investigation, also praised Mooney’s prior record and performance following the impact.
"Although the grounding incident compelled me to punish and remove him from command, in my opinion it does not negate 19 years of exemplary service," the admiral wrote. "Prior to the grounding incident, USS SAN FRANCISCO demonstrated a trend of continuing improvement and compiled an impressive record of achievement under Mooney’s leadership. Moreover, the crew’s post-grounding response under his direct leadership was commendable and enabled the sub’s recovery and safe return to port."
Greenert also criticized the executive officer and navigation team for their share of the responsibility, saying their "failure to adequately and critically review applicable publications and available charts led to submission of an ill-advised voyage plan and hindered the commanding officer’s ability to make fully informed safety-of-ship decisions."
Six crew members (including enlisted, senior enlisted and officer) were punished March 22 by Capt. Bradley Gehrke, commander of Submarine Squadron 15 on Guam, to which SAN FRANCISCO was assigned. The punishments included reduction in rate and punitive letters of reprimand.
The photo below shows the SAN FRANCISCO still undergoing repairs at Guam on May 8, 2005.
Demoraron en reconstruir el submarino en mucho, pero mucho menos tiempo que lo que llevó acá cambiarle las baterias al ARA Salta.
Saludos
Derruido