Electric Boat malpractice investigation ongoing -

Poor journalism strikes again...

subsafe - portions of submarines systems exposed to sea pressure or critical to flooding recovery.

None of the welds in question involve so-called "subsafe" portions of the recently delivered sub USS New Mexico (SSN-779). Electric Boat and the Navy concluded that the welds in question pose no immediate risk "on the ships that were underway," said Rear Adm. William H. Hilarides, the Navy's program executive officer for submarines.

Electric Boat notified the Navy "immediately" after it uncovered the issue Dec. 1, said Robert A. Hamilton, a company spokesman.

"We are thoroughly evaluating all work performed by the individual," Hamilton said.

"An important factor is that this was identified internally and fixed internally."

Hamilton is exactly correct. Why is this 1-1/2 month-old story breaking on a weekend? Because it has little if any merit.

Hint:

In 2007, the US Navy found that Northrop Grumman employees had used incorrect metal to fuse together pipes and joints on submarines under construction which could have led to cracking and leaks. In 2009, the Navy and the company found that bolts and fasteners in weapons-handling systems on four Navy submarines, including New Mexico (SSN-779), North Carolina (SSN-777), Missouri (SSN-780), and California (SSN-781)', were installed incorrectly, delaying the launching of the ships while the problems were corrected.[6]

The focus on quality-control processes at Electric Boat is intended to distract the spotlight that's been on Northrop Grumman over the last two years for more serious issues. This enables Northrup Grumman to win undeserved USN contracts. answer: Politics.

Look who first published this non-story: Newport News Daily Press. Yes, the home of Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding Newport News.

Submarines are always silent and strange.