Rouge Wave

During Typhoon Ann we experienced a rouge wave that was estimated to be 110 feet high...We had confirmation from several other ships.

The Connie was under Condition A, meaning they were not at combat stations but they were button up for the storm and were on a course that took them into the wind and the trough of the waves, or another words they were riding with the waves, keeping the rolling to a minium.

At 1;22am the ship began to roll up to the left and rise up. The OD ordered the rudders to be brought amidships to try and stabilize the ship...The ship continued to move up and took on a roll of 35 degrees, but at the same time rising up wards over the wave.

The ship crested at 125 feet above the water at the front of the ship or what is called the bow....She held that position for 5 seconds then fell...She fell 125 feet causing a loss of gravity that wrecked or damaged several jets with several crewmen hurt.

As she fell the center beams which connect the ship cracked and boomed with the sound of doom....Several people reported that the ship had broken in two, but it was not the case...the Connie had never before risen 12 stories then fell, the ship was not used to such abuse...In reality, they were lucky to be afloat.

The Connie returned to Subic then went to Japan for refit and repairs and it was several months before she returned to duty...