Bangor, Washington (Agencies): Reports indicate that a U.S. Navy Virginia-class nuclear submarine has suffered a significant malfunction at the Trident Refit Facility in Bangor, Washington, leading to the vessel sinking into Puget Sound.
The incident occurred during routine maintenance operations at the facility, which is responsible for repairing and overhauling the Pacific Fleet’s ballistic missile submarines.
The exact cause of the malfunction is still under investigation, but initial reports suggest a critical failure in the submarine’s ballast system.
Emergency response teams were immediately deployed to the scene, and efforts are underway to secure the submarine and prevent any potential environmental hazards.
The Trident Refit Facility, located at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor, plays a crucial role in maintaining the operational readiness of the U.S. Navy’s submarine fleet.
This incident marks a rare and serious setback for the facility, which has a long history of successfully managing complex submarine repairs and overhauls.
Authorities have not reported any injuries, and all personnel on board the submarine were safely evacuated.
The Navy is expected to release more details as the investigation progresses.