Aegis Cruiser, U.S. Navy Nuclear Submarine Collide Off U.S. East Coast

Over the weekend, an Aegis cruiser and a U.S. Navy nuclear submarine collided off the U.S. East Coast – a rather rare occurrence.

The Pentagon and Navy officials have launched an investigation into the collision. There were no reported injuries and both vessels were able to continue operating under their own power.

The following is a statement from the United States Fleet Forces Command regarding the incident:

The U.S Navy submarine and Aegis cruiser that collided off the East Coast Oct. 13, arrived in port Oct. 14. USS Montpelier (SSN 765) arrived at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay and USS San Jacinto (CG 56) arrived at Naval Station Mayport to further assess and evaluate the damage that resulted from their collision at sea. Overall damage to both ships is being evaluated. The propulsion plant of the submarine was unaffected by the collision. The incident remains under investigation. Both Montpelier and San Jacinto were conducting routine training at the time of the accident.

The Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Montpelier (SSN 765) operates under its own power.

The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS San Jacinto (CG 56) operates under its own power. San Jacinto is conducting a group sail with Harry S. Truman Strike Group.

The New York Times reports that the two ships were participating in a group sail with the aircraft carrier Harry S. Truman. The three ships were participating in an antisubmarine exercise in preparation for a deployment as part of the strike group lead by the Truman.

A U.S. Navy representative stated that the USS San Jacinto did see the Montpelier rise when it was about 150 yards ahead of it, but was unable to avoid a collision in that time. Following the collision, the submarine surfaced and communications were established between the ships.