In October 2007, the submarine successfully launched and recovered an AN/BLQ-11 unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV)—the first such operation from a submarine. The vehicle was launched via one of the boat's torpedo tubes and recovered with the help of a 60-foot robotic arm.[3]
On 25 October 2003 Hartford ran aground near La Maddalena in Sardinia with such force that rudders, sonar and other electronic equipment were severely damaged. After the accident Commander Christopher R. Van Metre, captain of Hartford, and Captain Greg Parker, Commodore of Submarine Squadron 22, were relieved of command and sent back to the United States. Six other crewmen were also charged with dereliction of duty.[4]
On 20 March 2009 Hartford collided with amphibious transport dockUSS New Orleans (LPD-18) in the Strait of Hormuz, slightly injuring 15 sailors on board. Both vessels were able to proceed under their own power after the incident, although the New Orleans suffered a ruptured fuel tank, releasing 25,000 gallons of diesel fuel into the strait.[5]
The Navy announced on 14 April 2009 that the submarine's skipper, Commander Ryan Brookhart, had been relieved of duty by Rear Admiral Michael J. Connor because of a loss of confidence in Brookhart's ability to command. Brookhart was replaced by Commander Chris Harkins, deputy commander of Submarine Squadron Eight.[6]
A repair contract was awarded to General Dynamics. Repairs were initially expected to cost $37.4 million and be completed by January 2010.[7] However, by November 2009, repair costs had already exceeded $100 million.[8] Final repair cost was $120 million when Hartford returned to duty in February, 2011[9]
Modernization
On 29 July 2022 a $698M contract was awarded to General Dynamics Electric Boat to repair and modernize the Hartford. [10]
Service history
Hartford took part in ICEX 2018, surfacing through the Arctic ice on 21 March.[11]