Abbie Shull / The News Tribune
This month the Navy worked hard aboard a nuclear-powered submarine, the USS Connecticut, in its home port in Bremerton to wage war on the bedbug infestation.
Navy entomologists say all measures have been taken to eradicate the infestation and seafarers can return to the rapid attack submarine, according to a public affairs statement from the Pacific Navy Submarine Forces.
The Navy said the infestation was first reported in December 2020, but bed bugs were not found on board until February 19. Seafarers told the Navy Times they had been complaining about the bed bugs since March 2020.
“We’ve had bed bugs for a year now,” a junior officer told the Navy Times. “Seafarers complained about being bitten in the racks.”
Some of the Connecticut’s crew were taken to a makeshift shelter to avoid the use of the on-board “racks” where people sleep and bed bugs have been found.
The Navy Public Affairs said the criteria for handling submarines or ships requires the physical presence of bed bugs to determine an infestation.
The Navy said it controlled the insects with daily inspections, including searches of all mattresses, extensive linen washing and “deadly countermeasures” by Navy entomologists.
The Connecticut was relocated to its home port in Washington in 2011. It can be used for reconnaissance and protection of the navy fleets.
