US Pacific Fleet nuclear submarine collides with object in international waters

Original title: US Pacific Fleet nuclear submarine collides with an object in international waters
China News Agency, Washington, October 7 - the U.S. Navy Pacific Fleet issued a statement on October 7 that the U.S. Navy nuclear powered submarine "Connecticut" collided with an object while diving on October 2.
The statement said that the "Connecticut" collided during its mission in the Indian Pacific international waters that afternoon. The US military did not disclose the number of crew members injured by the incident, but only said that it did not cause "life-threatening injuries".
"Connecticut" is one of the three "sea wolf class" nuclear powered attack submarines in active service of the US Navy. It was put into service in December 1998. "Sea wolf class" submarines are considered to be the quietest nuclear submarines in contemporary times, with a cost of about $3 billion each.
The statement also said that after the collision, the US Navy did not request support. The nuclear propulsion unit and space of "Connecticut" are not affected and are still in full operation. Damage to the rest of the submarine is being assessed.
The US Navy said that at present, the "Connecticut" remained in a safe and stable state, and the collision incident will be investigated later.
This is not the first time that the Connecticut encountered an unexpected "collision". According to the US Naval Research Institute, the submarine attracted the attention of a polar bear when it surfaced from the ice in 2003. "The polar bear approached and began licking the top of the submarine. Then he decided not to and walked away."
According to the public information provided by the U.S. Navy, there are three levels of nuclear powered attack submarines in service in the U.S. Navy, including about 40 Los Angeles class and 19 Virginia class submarines in addition to the "sea wolf class" submarines. (end)