There's an old saying that it's the pattern that return in the world... once again, in the best tradition of the Essex a whale shows a capital ship who's boss of the seas....

Navy Ship Hits Whale

SAN DIEGO, CA - A navy ship was damaged Saturday after it apparently hit a whale. According to the ship's captain Brad Kyker, they were about 10 miles off Del Mar when he reported seeing a water spout ahead just prior to feeling the ship shutter.

A small boat was deployed to see if the whale was injured. It was seen spouting again then swimming away. The ship did suffer damage to the hull and was forced to return to port.