The Seawolf-class submarine that survived a polar bear encounter

Cultures · Published 11 October 2026 · Updated 25 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: In 2003, while surfacing through Arctic ice, the USS Connecticut encountered an unexpected visitor. A polar bear began gnawing on the submarine's rudder, a bizarre moment for a vessel designed for stealth and deep-sea dominance. Beyond these strange encounters lies a history of intense maintenance and high-stakes maritime operations.

The United States Navy operates the USS Connecticut (SSN-22), a fast-attack, nuclear-powered Seawolf-class submarine. Built by General Dynamics Corporation's Electric Boat Division in Groton, Connecticut, the vessel launched on 1 September 1997. Its construction began when the keel was laid down on 14 September 1992, following a contract awarded on 3 May 1991. The vessel is the fifth United States Ship to bear the name of its namesake state. It was commissioned on 11 December 1998.

Throughout its service, the Connecticut has faced significant operational challenges. In 2003, a polar bear chewed on the rudder of the University of Washington's Applied Physics Laboratory Ice Station vessel as it emerged from Arctic ice. During South China Sea manoeuvres in October 2021, the submarine struck a seamount. This collision resulted in injuries to approximately 11 sailors, though none were reported as life-threatening. An inquiry into the collision resulted in the removal of the chief of the boat, executive officer, and commanding officer. The ship's encounter with the bear occurred at a specific research station. It also participated in the ICEX 2011 exercise to refine Arctic procedures.

This submarine has also served as a focal point for intricate naval logistics. In 2019, it underwent a US$17 million modernization project at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, which utilized a hull-climbing robot for inspections and required 30,000 worker days. Currently, the vessel is undergoing repairs following the 2021 collision. Although officials originally aimed for a September 2026 reactivation, the submarine will now resume service in September 2027 before its 2031 decommissioning. The Navy also planned to moor the vessel alongside the USS Seawolf and USS Jimmy Carter at Naval Submarine Base Bangor.

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