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Ever since her commissioning in 1982, the nuclear submarine
USS Houstonhas been spreading Space City's good name across the oceans. Why, even its hull number -- 713 -- is as Houston as you can get.
The area-code connection isn't the only tres-Houston thing connected with the ship, though.
It has now become famous for something Houstonians are very familiar with -- accidental leaks of noxious materials.
U.S. Navy officials are dealing with the embarrassment of informing allies that, well...the good ol' Houston developed a nuclear leak, one that may have affected any ports it visited, not to mention any parts of the Pacific Ocean it transited.
Even China's People's Daily has gotten in on the act, reporting that Houston's mishap "shows that 'the safety myth the U.S. Navy (equipped with nuclear-powered submarines) has been boasting has collapsed,' says a noted Japanese commentator on world affairs."
Dangerous leaks of dangerous materials: Maybe there's a reason they called the ship the Houston.
-- Richard Connelly
Keep the Houston Press Free... Since we started the Houston Press, it has been defined as the free, independent voice of Houston, and we would like to keep it that way. Offering our readers free access to incisive coverage of local news, food and culture. Producing stories on everything from political scandals to the hottest new bands, with gutsy reporting, stylish writing, and staffers who've won everything from the Society of Professional Journalists' Sigma Delta Chi feature-writing award to the Casey Medal for Meritorious Journalism. But with local journalism's existence under siege and advertising revenue setbacks having a larger impact, it is important now more than ever for us to rally support behind funding our local journalism. You can help by participating in our "I Support" membership program, allowing us to keep covering Houston with no paywalls.
