NEW LONDON, CONNECTICUT — Wires that had supplied power to a nuclear reactor on a fast-attack submarine were found cut, and the Navy is investigating whether a sailor was responsible, The Day of New London has reported.
The severed wires were discovered on the USS San Juan after it performed poorly on a reactor-safeguards test at a sub base in Groton, Conn., in June, the newspaper said. Afterward, the crew was ordered to undergo short but intensive training.
Base spokesman Lt. John Wallach said the incident never posed a threat to Navy personnel or the public. The reactor could not have been restarted without the damage being discovered and repaired.
"The submarine was in port and the reactor was shut down when this was discovered," Wallach said.
The severed wires supply power to retract the reactor's control rods, which dampen the nuclear reaction. Wallach said the damage was quickly repaired.
Navy sources told the newspaper that a sailor likely cut the wires because no one else could get past several guards to reach the reactor.