The USS Port Royal, a guided missile cruiser, has returned to its home port of Pearl Harbor after recently grounding. The recovery efforts involved the removal of 500 tons of seawater and 40 tons of anchors and chains, which took about four hours and required assistance from seven tugboats. Despite the successful recovery, several questions regarding the cause of the grounding and the condition of the ship and the environment remain unanswered.
Rear Admiral Joe Walsh stated that the primary concerns during the incident have been the safety of the crew, the ship, and the surrounding environment. The successful lightening of the ship was crucial for its recovery, contrasting with a previous attempt that had failed. Initial inspections revealed limited damage, specifically to the sonar dome at the front of the vessel and some sheared tips of the propeller blades. The anchors remain on the ocean floor, and plans are being developed to retrieve them along with any other debris.
Additionally, Coast Guard officials noted a sheen of marine oil on the surface water, the source of which is undetermined—whether from the USS Port Royal or from the tugboats involved in the recovery. However, there is currently no threat to coastal areas or marine life from this sheen, and a response vessel will monitor the situation until it dissipates.
The USS Port Royal is scheduled to be dry-docked later in the week to conduct a thorough investigation into the grounding incident and assess the extent of the damage. As of now, there is no estimate for repair costs. The ship had just completed its first day of sea trials following a four-month maintenance period prior to the incident.
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