These photo's show what "normal" surfaced position of the bow is: Look at how high out of the water 688 usually rides at.
http://navysite.de/ssn/ssn688.htm
Losing the tanks fwd came close to dropping the whole boat: If two more cracked, or if the LP blower failed, they'ed have been in trouble of sinking anyway.
No doubt it was a very near deal.
The debrief said she was drawing 5 feet less aft than normal. The pic of her coming into Apra speaks for itself for the MBT damage.
Those guys did outstanding work--every one of 'em.
Any word if there if a fund has been established yet?