Navy Destroyer Set for Repairs After Damage in Panama Canal

The USS Zumwalt is set to undergo repairs after taking damage while transiting the Panama Canal, according to U.S. Navy officials. 

The guided missile destroyer was heading southbound through the canal and is now being repaired at former U.S. Naval Station Rodman, according to U.S. 3rd Fleet spokesman Commander Ryan Perry. When repairs are done, he said, the ship will continue on to Naval Station San Diego in California.

"The timeline for repairs is being determined now, in direct coordination with Naval Sea Systems and Naval Surface Forces. The schedule for the ship will remain flexible to enable testing and evaluation in order to ensure the ship's safe transit to her new homeport in San Diego," Perry said.

While going through the canal, the ship lost propulsion and crew members spotted leaks in the ship's motors, which power the Zumwalt's systems. ​

Navy official said the ship also contacted the walls of the lock, which resulted in some minor damage. Repairs could take up to 10 days, a defense official said in the report.

The ship entered the Panama Canal after a port visit in Colombia. It is still set to operate as an active warship as part of the fleet in 2018, officials said.

Admiral Harry Harris, U.S. Pacific Command commander praised the ship upon its launch in October. He said, "If Batman had a ship, it would be the USS Zumwalt," CNN reported.

The destroyer was named for Admiral Elmo "Bud" Zumwalt, who earned the Bronze Star in World War II, was active in the Vietnam War, and fought against racism and sexism in the Navy.

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