Naval Sea Systems Command is scrutinizing three of the newest Virginia-class submarines due to questionable welding in piping instrumental in connecting the boats' nuclear reactors to their propulsion systems. The Minnesota (SSN-783), North Dakota (SSN-784) and John Warner (SSN-785) are under restricted operations because of faulty welding after General Dynamics Electric Boat discovered three "steam pipe elbows" which required repair after "unauthorized and undocumented weld repairs" were performed on the questionable components. The inspection was first reported by Defense News...
