Submarine Casualties Booklet

Abstract

FOREWARD: The safety record of U.S. submarines in peacetime operations is probably unmatched by any other conveyance of modern warefare. Indeed, the millions of hours of such operations have been marred by so few accidents that it is quite probable that submarines have a better safety record than has the family bathtub. There have been some casualties and near-casualties, however, each of which contains valuable lessons for the prevention of similar incidents in the future. This Casualty Booklet is written to fill a long felt need to provide young officers and men entering the submarine service with the stern lessons of the past. These lessons not only provide the background and reasons behind many well-established methods and procedures, but also the misfortunes, often tragic, of departing from proven procedures and basic fundamentals that are essential for safe operations. The following narratives were derived from various sources, including reports of official investigations, when available, and from information submitted by persons who were on the scene when the casualty occurred. The "Opinions and Findings" are paraphrased versions of the remarks made by any investigating or reviewing officers; no change has been made in the substance of these qpinions. The comment paragraph represents the lesson to be learned and other helpful or associated information, composed in the cold, clear light that is so characteristic of "hindsight". These comments in themselves are mute testimony to "Hindsight is damned easier than foresight", and it is hoped that they will be viewed in the objective light in which they are intended: to stimulate more foresight.