15 May 1969 – USS Guitarro (SSN 665) While moored alongside the pier in Mare Island Naval Shipyard (MINSY), two different groups commenced system testing. Unfortunately, the teams did not coordinate their actions. At about 16:00 (4 p.m.) the first group began filling the aft ballast tanks with water in an attempt perform a calibration. This gave the boat a 2 degree up angle. Approximately 30 minutes later a group working forward began adding water to trim the boat within a half-degree of trim. Both groups continued adding water, with the result that Guitarro settled farther into the water. At approximately 19:45 (7:45 p.m.) the forward group paused their test and left the boat for their meal break. The After group stopped their test and began emptying the aft ballast tanks. These actions left Guitarro heavy in the bow which eventually put the open forward hatches underwater, resulting in massive flooding. Attempts to shut water-tight doors was not possible because of the number of lines and cables running between compartments. Guitarro sunk at the pier suffering major water. The Guitarro was refloated three days later and repairs were estimated at $ 20 million in 1970 dollars and commissioning was delayed by 32 months. It was the last submarine built at Mare Island Naval Shipyard.
Pictured USS Guitarro at pier
© Gregg Smith
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