Saturday, March 19, 2011

WTF! Cracks in the hull of USS Freedom...flooding contained?


via Defense News...

A 6-inch crack in the hull of the littoral combat ship USS Freedom caused the ship to abort sea-keeping trials on Feb. 12 and return to its homeport of San Diego for repairs, the U.S. Navy confirmed March 18.
The crack, about three and a half feet below the waterline in a weld seam between two steel plates in the hull, allowed water to enter a void space in the ship, according to Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA). Flooding was contained, however, and, at a speed of about 8 knots, the vessel sailed about 600 miles to San Diego to begin repairs.
Wow.

No comment on this one till I know more, but this isn't good.