*The ship lost propulsion in its port shaft and salt water leaked into the Zumwalt’s two electrical motors that are driven by its gas turbines and in turn electrically power the ship’s systems, a defense official told USNI News on Tuesday.
In September, the Zumwalt stayed in Norfolk, Virginia for two extra weeks while a seawater leak in the propulsion motor drive oil auxiliary system for one of the ship’s shafts was repaired, Navaltoday.com reported.*
I worked in an engine room for 3 1/2 years while in the Nav... how the hell seawater can get anywhere and not be detected within a half of a watch is puzzling to me. basically I’ve seen enough to confidently say there is some dereliction of duty goin on here me thinks...
The replacement for the OHIO Class ballistic (Columbia Class) missile submarines will have electric propulsion.
This never would have happened if the Navy had stuck with sails!!