The French nuclear carrier Charles de Gaulle suffered a breakdown during a 25-knot speed run from Guadeloupe (French West Indies) to Norfolk (the US Navy base in Virginia) on 10 Nov. One blade of the huge port propeller broke off, taking that shaft out of action and causing serious structural damage. The carrier canceled its visit to the US and headed home on one shaft at 14 knots. It will take three months (or more) in drydock to replace the propeller and repair the damage to the hull and drive train.--Stephen V Cole