The nuclear submarine USS Connecticut, one of the jewels of the US fleet, was the protagonist of an accident that caused international sensation and concern in 2021. In October of that year it collided with an object, being damaged and with 11 crew members injured. In Connecticut is a Sea Wolf class nuclear attack submarine, equipped with torpedoes and Tomahawk missiles.
According to a recent study, the submarine left detectable trails before colliding with an unidentified object in the South China Sea, an area considered China’s backyard. So the Chinese naval forces had well detected it.
The accident caused significant damage to the submarine and minor injuries to the crew. The US Navy initially kept the causes of the accident confidential, fueling speculation and theories. The study, conducted by independent experts, analyzed satellite images and navigation data, reaching the conclusion that the USS Connecticut would have produced detectable surface contrails, probably due to a dive to insufficient depth or a malfunction of the control systems.
These trails, also visible from space, would have made the submarine vulnerable and easily identifiable by other ships or aircraft present in the area. The incident raises questions about the safety and ability of the US Navy to operate in disputed waters such as the South China Sea, where tensions with China are high. It also opens the way to several hypotheses about how the accident could have occurred.
China, which claims sovereignty over much of the South China Sea, has consistently expressed concern about the presence of foreign ships and submarines in its territorial waters. The USS Connecticut incident provided an opportunity for China to criticize the US military presence in the region and reiterate its territorial claims.
Connecticut while returning to San Diego after the accident
The US Navy has launched an internal investigation to ascertain the causes of the accident and assess possible responsibility. The outcome of the investigation could have significant consequences for the careers of the commanders and crew involved. Furthermore, the incident could lead to a rethink of the US Navy’s tactics and operational procedures in the South China Sea.
The USS Connecticut is one of the most advanced submarines in the U.S. fleet, featuring cutting-edge technologies for navigation and undersea warfare. The accident demonstrated that even the most sophisticated submarines can be vulnerable in complex and unpredictable operating environments such as those in the shallow seas surrounding China.
The USS Connecticut affair represents a warning to all navies operating in disputed waters. Security and the ability to operate discreetly are key to avoiding accidents and ensuring regional stability. Transparency and cooperation between navies can help reduce risks and prevent future escalations.
Now the US Navy will have to take measures to limit the possibility of detection, otherwise its vulnerability, especially in critical areas such as the shallow China seas, will be magnified. Furthermore, at least for now, the mystery remains as to what hit the American military ship: having already been detected, isn’t it possible that it was an artificial obstacle or a Chinese submarine?
