Subase spokesman Chris Zendan said the fire was reported at about 9 a.m. The flash fire occurred in the forward ballast tank, which helps the ship stay below or at surface.Anyone want to bet against "hot work catching rags on fire" as the cause?
The ship was on the base’s dry dock undergoing maintenance, said Zendan. All nonessential personnel were evacuated from the ship. Three Portsmouth Naval Shipyard employees were in the area during fire. They were evaluated and released at the scene, he said.
I also love the explanation of the purpose of the MBTs. I suppose it's technically accurate from a certain perspective to say they "(help) the ship stay below or at the surface", but it could make one wonder if, without the MBTs, the ship would somehow go airborne, which is the only other option. As everyone knows, the only thing that can make a submarine do that is an inexperienced or unlucky DOOW. Please share your memories of your favorite times the DOOW "earned his wings".
