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****FLASH TRAFFIC****FLASH TRAFFIC****FLASH TRAFFIC****
After sitting submerged in some 8+ feet of water for 59 day's,the USS BLUEBACK has been recovered.
This 1/96 Scale RC Submarine, manufactured by the now defunct SMALL WORLD MODELS (Dave Manley) was lost on Patrol September 10th 2016 while undergoing refit sea trials.
This mostly stock model had some major repairs to the WTC including a shaft seal replacement.
While at first indications to the cause of the loss may have been attributed to the repairs, it is now pointing to human error.
Ballasted to heavy for an empty propel tank, followed by NOT insuring the tank was full prior to departure.
The following is an excerpt from the email I received from Rich Kohlbrecher this AM:
Ed,
The Blueback was officially recovered at 8:10am this morning from the Sub Base.
She was immediately transported to a secure shipyard for inspection.
The square plate on the outer edge of her port rear dive plane was broken off but recovered. (This suggests damage was sustained in the front seat of the base pickup truck.) however, repairs are simple.
The outer hull had areas of algae growth but was otherwise in good condition. The scopes are fine.
The WTC was completely obscured by algae. After careful cleaning in one area it was determined that there was NO VISIBLE MOISTURE PRESENT in the WTC. The reactor core was not compromised .
It should be noted that the high pressure air system (Propel) was completely empty. This discovery will, unfortunately, precipitate a board of inquiry regarding the fitness of the Commanding Officer at the time of the incident. Court Marshall proceedings may soon follow.
Please find attached some classified salvage photos.
Richie
Many thanks to the Sailors of the US Sub Base, MWR, and of course Joe Oliver and Rich Kohlbrecher for her return.
North Lake is not only the best running spot period, but the lake is drained each year for fools like me lol!
"Sub " Ed
After sitting submerged in some 8+ feet of water for 59 day's,the USS BLUEBACK has been recovered.
This 1/96 Scale RC Submarine, manufactured by the now defunct SMALL WORLD MODELS (Dave Manley) was lost on Patrol September 10th 2016 while undergoing refit sea trials.
This mostly stock model had some major repairs to the WTC including a shaft seal replacement.
While at first indications to the cause of the loss may have been attributed to the repairs, it is now pointing to human error.
Ballasted to heavy for an empty propel tank, followed by NOT insuring the tank was full prior to departure.
The following is an excerpt from the email I received from Rich Kohlbrecher this AM:
Ed,
The Blueback was officially recovered at 8:10am this morning from the Sub Base.
She was immediately transported to a secure shipyard for inspection.
The square plate on the outer edge of her port rear dive plane was broken off but recovered. (This suggests damage was sustained in the front seat of the base pickup truck.) however, repairs are simple.
The outer hull had areas of algae growth but was otherwise in good condition. The scopes are fine.
The WTC was completely obscured by algae. After careful cleaning in one area it was determined that there was NO VISIBLE MOISTURE PRESENT in the WTC. The reactor core was not compromised .
It should be noted that the high pressure air system (Propel) was completely empty. This discovery will, unfortunately, precipitate a board of inquiry regarding the fitness of the Commanding Officer at the time of the incident. Court Marshall proceedings may soon follow.
Please find attached some classified salvage photos.
Richie
Many thanks to the Sailors of the US Sub Base, MWR, and of course Joe Oliver and Rich Kohlbrecher for her return.
North Lake is not only the best running spot period, but the lake is drained each year for fools like me lol!
"Sub " Ed
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