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Sub rolled 85 degrees after collision

Investigators think the attack submarine Hartford rolled 85 degrees after it collided with the amphibious transport dock New Orleans in the Strait of Hormuz on March 20, according to a Navy statement.

The Friday press release from 5th Fleet confirms initial chatter on how violently the two vessels collided, which occurred around 1 a.m. while the submarine was transiting into the Persian Gulf submerged but near the surface. Fifteen Hartford sailors were injured but were able to return to duty.

“Despite the roll, engineering investigations have confirmed the propulsion plant of the submarine was unaffected by this collision,” the statement said. “However, Hartford sustained damage to its sail and periscope, as well as the port bow plane.”

The collision punched a 16-by-18 foot hole in New Orleans’ fuel tank, and two interior ballast tanks were damaged, the statement said.

Both vessels are in Bahrain undergoing repair assessments. At the same time, two investigations are underway: a Judge Advocate General Manual investigation and a safety investigation. The JAGMAN is being led by Capt. Craig Kleint, commodore of the Dock Landing Ship Class Squadron. He is joined by a post-command submarine officer and a three-person legal team.

Both investigations are expected to last 30 days, but that can be extended, the statement said.