Interesting.......

[Miguel]

I came around a bend on the lake and found this sailing on the channel :

I didn´t see any special markings, but I´m guessing it is not U.S.A property.  Can anyone identify it just by looking at the cunning tower?

[JimCt]

If it was a USN sub I'd have thought she'd be flying the ensign.  Conning tower doesn't look like one of ours though.  No idea who she belongs to.

[RickK]

That would have been cool to see in person (and is in the picture).  Seems to be moving right along if her escorts are on plane.
No clue as to the nationality.

[John Jones]

Damn Jim, It was built in Groton, Conn.  

http://navysite.de/ssn/ssn21.htm

I cheated.  I asked a guy on Florida Sportsman who is an ex-submariner.  He sent me this link.  Seawolf or one of the class.  Only 3 built.  
After he researched some more he said it is probably the Jimmy Carter.

[Miguel]

Interesting.........
I´ve seen USN nuclear subs before, and this one seemed to have a very limited escort in comparison to the others.  I may be mistaken, as I was not allowed to get closer.
Very good research on your part JJ.

[RickK]

Here's a thought:
Would our pals, the Panamanians, let any other nationality's subs through the canal, especially heading east/northeast?

[Miguel]

Indeed we do............Bt law, the Panama Canal has to remain neutral to all nations.  There are some south american countries that operate smaller and older subs and pass thru the canal.  I´ve also seen french ones.
That particular sub was heading from the Atlantic to the Pacific.

[John Jones]

Very good research on your part JJ.

Thanks but not me.  I just sent 1 PM to an ex-submariner.  He did all the research  

[rsh19904]

Wow, that thing does 35 mph under water..

[John Jones]

That's just what they tell the public ;)

[JimCt]

JJ's right.  Underwater speeds are something you & I don't need to know but it maybe safe to say there's never been an AS yet that could come close to out-running one.

[RickK]

... never been an AS yet that could come close to out-running one.

Especially if both were under water  

BTW: 35 knots = 40.277281 mph