In March 1984, "Kitty Hawk" participated in "Team Spirit" exercises in the Sea of Japan. The Soviet Victor-class nuclear attack submarine "K-314" shadowed the task group. On 21 March 1984, at the end of the Sea of Japan part of the exercise, "K-314" surfaced directly in front of "Kitty Hawk", time was 22:05, too dark and far too close for "Kitty Hawk" to see and avoid the resulting collision, with minor damage to the aircraft carrier, and significant damage to the Soviet submarine. At the time of the accident, "Kitty Hawk" is estimated to have carried several dozen nuclear weapons, and "K-314" probably carried two nuclear torpedoes. "Kitty Hawk" was thereafter considered the first antisubmarine carrier weapon and a red submarine was painted on her island near the bridge but was ordered removed upon return to home port North Island San Diego, CA.