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Release Date: 1/10/2005 9:59:00 AM
From U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs
PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- The Los Angeles-class submarine USS San
Francisco (SSN 711) arrived safely in Guam the afternoon of Jan. 10
Guam time (all following dates Guam time) following a Jan. 7
grounding accident at sea, approximately 350 nautical miles south of
Guam.
Machinist's Mate 2nd Class Joseph Allen Ashley, 24, of Akron, Ohio,
died Jan. 9 from injuries suffered during the accident. Twenty-three
other Sailors were treated by medical teams dispatched out to the
submarine for a range of injuries, including broken bones,
lacerations, bruises and a back injury. The submarine had a crew of
137 at the time of the incident.
The Navy continues to offer its sincerest condolences and prayers to
the family and friends of Ashley.
The Coast Guard Cutter Galveston Island (WPB 1349), USNS Stockham
(T-AK 3017) and USNS Kiska (T-AE 35), as well as MH-60S Knighthawks
from Guam-based Helicopter Combat Support Squadron (HC) 5 and P-3
Orion maritime patrol aircraft from Commander, Task Force 72
assisted the submarine’s return.
The Navy is investigating the cause and circumstances of the
incident.
Further questions may be referred to the U.S. Pacific Fleet Public
Affairs Office at (808)471-3769.
Santa Rita, Guam (Jan. 10, 2005) - The Los Angeles-class attack
submarine USS San Francisco (SSN 711) passes the Orote cliff line as
it enters her home port of Apra Harbor, Guam, following an incident
in which it ran aground approximately 350 miles south of the U.S.
territory on Jan. 8. USS San Francisco was the second fast-attack
submarine to be assigned to the forward-deployed Submarine Squadron
Fifteen, which is located on board Naval Base Guam.
U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Nathanael T. Miller |
