In this issue of PING we continue to remember submarines lost in the current month.  Most of our readers will know that April 10th 2013 marks the 50th anniversary of the worst US submarine disaster in terms of life lost and the first loss of a nuclear powered submarine.  USS THRESHER (SSN593) went down while on sea trials out of Portsmouth Naval Shipyard with the loss of all 129 men on board. 

 Much has been written and much of that speculation on what caused the loss of THRESHER.  Admiral H.G. Rickover, head of Naval Nuclear Propulsion and father of the nuclear navy, stated at the time "When fact, supposition and speculation, which have been used interchangeably, are properly separated, you will find that the known facts are so meager it is almost impossible to tell what happened aboard THRESHER." 

 Many still hold to the theory that failure of a seawater system silver-braze joint at or near test depth with resulting spray shorting out electrical components leading to a reactor scram (shutdown) and subsequent loss of propulsion led to the demise of the ship.  A strong challenge to that theory has been mounted by Mr. Bruce Rule who, with noted submarine writer Normal Polmar, has written an article published in the 8 April 2013 issue of Navy Times disputing that theory and offering a counter argument.  That article titled "What sank the Thresher" is included in this issue of PING with permission of Mr. Rule and Mr. Polmar and with acknowledgement to Navy Times.  It is well worth a very careful read and analysis. 

Learn More here.... Page 1.... Page 2. ...

Other submarines lost in the month of April include: ALLIGATOR, USS PICKERAL (SS-177), USS SNOOK (SS-279), USS GUDGEON (SS-211) and USS GRENADIER (SS-210).  A total of 381 brave men gave their lives aboard submarines lost in the month of April.  There were 72 survivors from GRENADIER who spent two years in a Japanese POW camp and were released at the end of WWII.

There is still plenty of opportunity to get in on the Brick Paver program at the Submarine Base.  The second large block of pavers has just been installed and we have room in the design for three more blocks.  Get yours now.