Sub to be used for spare parts in USS Miami repair

GROTON, Conn. (AP) — U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney says the Navy will use a submarine that was recently taken out of commission for spare parts as it repairs a fire-damaged sub at a Maine shipyard.

The Democratic congressman from eastern Connecticut received an update Tuesday on work to repair the USS Miami at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.

He said workers from Groton, Conn.-based Electric Boat have been preparing for the rebuilding and the Navy is using the recently decommissioned Memphis for spare parts. The Miami is based at the Navy base in Groton.

The attack sub suffered $450 million in damage in a fire while docked in Kittery, Maine, in May.

Courtney received briefings from shipyard employees who said they had not found evidence of hull weakness that might drive up the cost of repairs.