Submarines have lurked beneath the vast world waters for as long as the U.S. Navy's 240-year existence. Albeit a mystical notion to some in the beginning, submarines are now capable of conducting a wide variety of missions including anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, land attack, intelligence gathering, mine reconnaissance, supporting special forces, and nuclear deterrence. While the graphic below highlights some notable subs in the evolution of Navy?s submarine force, it's by no means all-inclusive.
In the Beginning
The world's first submarine used in warfare, the 8-foot-long Turtle, debuted during the American Revolution. With an oak made, walnut-shell-shaped casing it bobbed just below the water's surface. The one-person craft was paddled using a hand-crank. Its captain attempted to affix explosives to British ship HMS Eagle's belly. While unsuccessful, its underwater warfare capability validated the great possibilities ahead to thwart the enemies who threatened America's freedom. It would be almost 100 years later until H.L. Hunley, a Confederate submarine during the Civil War would be credited with being the first combat submarine to sink a warship, although following her successful attack, was lost along with her crew before she could return to base.
While the first submarines hold historical significance and set the stage for submarine warfare, it wasn't until 1900 that the Navy commissioned its first submarine, the USS Holland (SS-1). Holland sub was bigger, stronger and just a tad faster than its predecessors, clocking in at 5 knots and reaching depths of more than 50 feet. While only in action for a mere five years, its experimental value led to the E Class. E Class's greatest contribution was the fact that it was diesel-powered, which led to its ability to make another first - cross the Atlantic on its own power!
Sub Force's Wartime Utility Becomes Apparent
Continuous advancements carried over to the Balao Class submarine, which emerged during World War II and led to the sudden realization of the submarine fleet's true and utter importance. As Adm. C.W. Nimitz endorsed, "We shall never forget that it was our submarines that held the lines against the enemy while our fleets replaced losses and repaired wounds."
The Balao became the "backbone" of the submarine service in the vast Pacific depths during World War II and would remain a treasured asset for nearly four decades. As submarines became more relevant to the fleet's warfighting mission, huge technology advancements were made. Newer submarines advanced in every aspect of their ability to travel the depths of the sea; going stealthily further, faster and deeper for longer periods of time.
Dawn of the Nuclear Age
Thanks to the many contributions of
Admiral Rickover, in 1954 the sub's diesel and gasoline-powered days were nearing the end when the Navy introduced USS Nautilus (SSN 571) - the world's first nuclear-powered submarine. Shortly after, the Navy boasted the world's first ballistic missile submarine the George Washington Class, fully armed with Polaris missiles.
Built between 1958 and 1965, the
George Washington,
Ethan Allen,
Lafayette, James Madison, and
Benjamin Franklin classes made up the fleet of ballistic missile submarines known as "41 for Freedom" Dubbed "
Boomers," each carried 16 ballistic missiles with a thousand-plus mile reach.
Today's Silent Force
From the one-person vessel fueled only by crank, to today's nuclear powered submarines that can stay submerged for unimaginable lengths of time without resurfacing, the Navy's submarine force continues to evolve to meet the nation's warfighting mission and to keep Americans safe from harm. Today's nuclear-powered submarines will be a defensive mainstay for decades to come.
High-tech vessels such as the seek-and-destroy Los Angeles Class, noted as the Backbone of the fast attack sub fleet for more than 20 years, and its partners, the Seawolf and Virginia are the hunters beneath the sea. Armed with Tomahawk cruise missiles they can defy the enemy from virtually anywhere on the globe.
The Navy's underwater fleet continues to evolve to meet the nation's warfighting mission and to keep Americans safe from harm. The Ohio class is a great example of that. The Navy's largest and stealthiest sub, Ohio Class is able to remain undersea for lengths at a time without resurfacing, cruising deep below - providing the nation with the most survivable leg of the nuclear deterrence "Triad." Undoubtedly, the Navy will remain dominant so long as the nation's next great subs remain valued and understood. Yet none of the successes past, present and future would even be possible without the "Silent Service."