USS Connecticut submarine to return in 2026 after major overhaul

In 2021, the USS Connecticut, one of only three Seawolf-class nuclear-powered fast attack submarines in the U.S. Navy, hit an uncharted underwater mountain while sailing in international waters near Japan. This incident resulted in significant damage to the submarine's bow, sonar dome, and ballast systems, compelling it to surface and return to Guam, followed by California, and ultimately to the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Washington State for repairs. The investigation determined that the accident was due to poor seamanship and a lack of discipline among the crew, leading to the dismissal of key leaders onboard the submarine, including the commander, executive officer, and chief of the boat. Congress allocated approximately $50 million for repairs in 2021, but this was merely a fraction of the overall costs needed to restore the Connecticut to operational status. Originally, the Navy anticipated that the submarine would be ready by 2025; however, it was later announced that the timeline had slipped by at least a year due to the complexity of the repairs and a deeper overhaul involving upgrades, emphasizing the importance of the submarine within the broader context of U.S. naval operations. As of 2025, the USS Connecticut is expected to resume service in 2026, a delay that reflects ongoing challenges in maintaining the Navy's advanced submarine fleet amidst increasing global submarine competition, particularly with rising maritime activity by China.