Navy Submarine Avoids Tragedy, Whale Rape Off Virginia Coast
NORFOLK, VA - Having an unknown contact appear off the stern can be a frightening scenario for many submariners, but it's even worse when that sonar blip is searching for a mate.
The close shadowing of numerous submarines by whales was recently revealed by Admiral William Wysocki, Director of Submarine Services for the Atlantic Fleet.
"We never like to see a contact following us, and for quite a few subs out there, it's been a frightening ordeal," said Wysocki.
One sub that dealt with a strange tail was the USS Baltimore (SSN-704).
“We were traveling submerged approximately 25 miles off the Virginia coast when Chief Robinson confirmed contact with an unidentified object following less than 500 yards behind," said Captain Steven Horowitz. "I took evasive action, but we just couldn't shake him.”
In what is considered a remarkable, but non-traditional decision, Captain Horowitz called on Senior Chief James 'Fins' Oslow of SEAL Team 3 to investigate.
The Chief selected three from his SEAL team …
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