Submarine History

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Submarine History
Early History - 1775-1900
David Bushnell and the Turtle: With the British blockading New York harbor, a new graduate of Yale University, David Bushnell, put his Ivy League education to work. He devised a unique craft, constructed like a barrel, powered by unusual propellers, and semi-submersible. This odd craft was designed to slip in under cover of darkness and using an auger, attach a limpet mine to an English warship. Asking for volunteers, General George Washington obtained a pilot for the craft, SGT Ezra Lee.

On 06 September 1776, SGT Lee set out in the Turtle to attack the HMS Eagle. He later reported that he was unable to penetrate the hull of the ship with the auger, and withdrew. The British, sighting the craft, opened fire. Lee cut the mine loose, which drifted into the British anchorage. The British later withdrew their ships to a new anchorage.

Thus the era of American Submarine warfare was born. Bushnell and Lee attempted two more attacks during the war, but met with no success.

Robert Fulton and the Nautilus: Robert Fulton, better known for his role in the development of the steam engine, was also pivotal in the invention of the submarine. His Nautilus was an elongated iron craft with a multi-man crew. She was man powered and exhibited the first use of diving planes for dynamic control. Meeting with no interest in the United States, Fulton took his idea to France.

The Birth of the United States Submarine Force
In 1900, Irish immigrant John Holland won a submarine design competition held by the U. S. Navy. His design, later known as the USS Holland (SS-1), was the first to incorporate modern torpedoes, gasoline/electric power, and a hull form optimized for under water performance. This basic design became the standard for United States submarine development through WWI.

World War I
The United States Submarine Force saw little action during the war, but the art of submarine production and design saw great development. These improvements were led by Germany, whose U-Boats were equipped with advanced diesel engines, underwater sound gear, advanced ordnance and effective periscopes. It also saw the development of two entirely new forms of warfare: Unrestricted submarine warfare and Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW). These would become critical items in the wars to come.

World War II
This was the era when submarine warfare really came into its own. The actions of the German U- Boat fleet nearly turned the tide for the Germans. Too little, too late, they were unable to choke off the Allies' supply lines.

On the American side, the submarines in the Pacific Theater were the critical factor in the American's campaign. They were responsible for half of all ships sunk, and yet made up only a fraction of the Navy in the region. Mainly tasked with hunting down valuable merchant traffic, tankers and supply ships, they starved the Japanese war machine of valuable supplies. Submarines such as Wahoo, Parche, Barb, Trepang, and men like Sam Dealey, Howard W. Gilmore, Eugene Fluckey, "Mush" Morton and "Red" Ramage forged the proud tradition of aggressiveness and excellence in the submarine force.



The Cold War
The end of WWII brought about a new conflict, one in which the contestants were fairly evenly matched. The Russian Navy brought huge numbers and resources to bear against the United States technological advantage. The development of nuclear power meant that a true submarine could finally be built. Free of dependence on the outside world, the submarine became a true underwater monster, prowling the deep in search of all traffic.

SSBNs, or "Boomers", were soon produced and became the most solid leg of the deterrence triad. As submarines became quieter and more sophisticated, their importance to the Navy became greater. Soon no area of the world was off limits to the modern fast attack, from the polar ice caps to the Indian Ocean.

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Common Misconceptions


For a variety of reasons, several myths about Submarining have been circulating around the Brigade. For further information, see you Battalion Submariner.


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Myth #1: In the post Cold War era, submarines lack a basic mission.


Fact: The Russians continue to build submarines, the latest generation of which is quieter than any in the U.S. inventory. The Chinese have a fleet of modern nuclear submarines as well as diesel boats. There are nine other nations who are potential adversaries that have diesel boat technology. The United States Submarine Force must remain ready to engage any of these diverse navies.
The Russians are conducting unprecedented operations against U.S. SSBNs and CVBGs. They did not conduct operations of this nature even during the height of the Cold War. These operations are taking place in both the Atlantic and Pacific.


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Myth #2: Command opportunities have decreased significantly since the drawdown.


Fact: While there are now fewer submarines, the size of the Submarine Officer Corps has decreased proportionately. While the submarine force was shrinking, there were too many mid-grade (O-3 and O-4) officers to fill the available XO and CO positions. This caused a temporary surplus of officers. Now that the final force size has been reached, this problem has been corrected and officers entering the force today will enjoy a promotion opportunity comparable to that seen in the 1980's.


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Myth #3: You have to be a super-geek to be a submariner.


Fact: Make no mistake about it, the submarine force is looking for Warriors! You have to have the academic capability to learn to operate a nuclear reactor safely, but first and foremost, you have to have the basic instincts and desire to fight the ship. Naval Reactors will screen your academic record, and if accepted for an interview, you stand a very good chance of getting in to the program.
What does Naval Reactors look for? They look at the whole record, but obviously "technical" courses count heavily. Good grades in math, science and engineering should assure you an interview. An engineering degree is certainly a plus, but not required. Above all, do not screen yourself out of the program. If interested, submit your record for an interview.


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Myth #4: Nuclear Power School is incredibly hard.


Fact: Naval Nuclear Power School is demanding. You will have to learn to study in an entirely different environment. You will be in class for six hours a day (two hours in three related courses) with a study hall. The rest of the time is yours. Most students spend three or four hours a night studying and organizing their notes. Most students take Friday night and all of Saturday off. This is demanding, but really not that much different than SWOS or Pensacola. Prototype training requires a similar schedule, placing you on shift-work for 12 hours a day. Those accepted for Nuclear Power training make it through the program. Out of a class of about 120, only one or two will drop out.


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Myth #5: Nuclear powered warships are banned from all the cool ports.


Fact: Wherever the Battle Group goes, the submarines go. WESTPAC liberty ports include: Korea, Japan, Australia, Okinawa, Thailand, Singapore, Bahrain, etc.

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Fast Attack Submarines (SSNs)

Swift, Silent and Deadly, these boats are the most lethal weapons in the Navy's inventory. Capable of a wide variety of missions, these boats are Forward Deployed, responsive and ready for action.
When a crisis is brewing, the first question the President really asks is "Where are the Submarines?"



Homeports
New London, CT - The home of the Submarine Force!
Norfolk, VA - The largest Navy port in the U.S.
San Diego, CA - Small port, but great beaches!
Pearl Harbor, HI - Need we say more?

Guam - Truly tropical

Operations
The most versatile platform in the Navy, the Fast Attack Submarine is the first on the scene in any major world event. Major categories of operations include:
Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW)
Anti-Surface Warfare (ASUW)
Strike Warfare
Battle Group Support
Special Warfare
Special Operations

Undersea Warfare
The traditional role of the modern Attack Boat, Anti-Submarine Warfare remains the basis of every Submariner's training. Using their inherent stealth, the modern attack submarine is the only effective ASW platform. Submarines, ours and theirs, use the environment to their best advantage, and only a platform operating in the same environment stands a chance of finding a modern submarine.
Sensors used include the BQQ-5 and BSY-1 sonar processing systems, coupled with both a bow mounted spherical array sonar as well as twin towed array sonar arrays. The combination of multiple arrays makes the modern fast attack submarine a very lethal opponent.
The premier ASW weapon in the United States inventory is the Mk-48 Advanced Capabilities (ADCAP) heavyweight torpedo. This tube launched weapon has been significantly modified to counter latest generation submarines.
The Russian Navy continues to operate a very advanced fleet of submarines. Latest generation Akula SSNs are quieter than the most advanced western submarine. Soon to be launched, the Severodvinsk SSN will be even quieter, as will their 4th Generation SSBN. In June of 1995, the Deputy Commander of the Russian Navy laid down the ASW challenge, "We will learn to find your submarines." This challenge has been taken up by the United States Submarine Force.

Anti-Surface Warfare
The traditional role of the submarine since WWI, the stalking and sinking of surface ships remains a basic skill of the submariner. With their ability to loiter and observe surface ship operations, the mere possibility that a submarine is in the area is enough cause the surface ship commanders ulcers to flare up.
The sensors used are the same as for ASW, with the addition of the traditional periscope approach.
In addition to the Mk-48 standard and ADCAP torpedoes, the Submarine Commanding Officer has other weapons at his disposal including mines. In addition, the Navy is developing new weapons that can be launched from the submarine platform including the ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile).

Strike Warfare
A relatively new mission for the United States Submarine Force, strike warfare has become a cornerstone of the force. The addition of the Submarine launched Tomahawk missile has made an already potent weapons platform even more devastating. The range of the Tomahawk allows the submarine to strike deep into any potential adversary's territory, while the stealth of the submarine allows the U.S. to preposition a solid weapons load without pre-alerting the adversary. Most submarines are capable of firing the tube launched variant of the Tomahawk, but the latest Los Angeles class submarines are equipped with 12 vertical launch missiles.





Battle Group Support
The wheel has come full circle for this mission. When initially designed, the 688 class submarine was to act primarily as a Battle Group escort. But her main missions continued to be ASW, and the Battle Group Support role was all but forgotten. In recent years, each CVBG has been assigned one or more submarines to act as both ASW platforms and in wider support roles. This makes for a very exciting deployment as the Carrier Battle Group Commanders and Submarine Commanding Officers learn what incredible interoperability the forces enjoy. Communications remain the biggest challenge, but every CVBG Commander feels much better if he knows that a submarine is protecting the depths.

Special Warfare
The submarines stealth allows the U.S. to insert and extract various Special Warfare Teams, including SEALs, USMC Force Recon, USA Rangers and other specialized groups. All submarines are capable of these missions, but some submarines are specially modified.
The simplest modification is the installation of a Dry Deck Shelter, which carries two Swimmer Delivery Vehicles (SDV), small submarines to carry SEALs on their missions. Other submarines have been extensively modified to carry even more SDVs and larger contingents of Special Warfare personnel.

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Description of a Typical Naval Nuclear Propulsion Plant


In Naval nuclear propulsion plants, fissioning of uranium atoms in the reactor core produces heat. Since the fission process also produces radiation, shielding is placed around the reactor to protect the crew. During a typical submerged patrol, a typical crew member receives less exposure to radiation than he would if he remained ashore and worked in an office building.

U. S. Naval nuclear propulsion plants use a pressurized water reactor design which has two basic systems: the primary and the secondary system. The primary system circulates ordinary water in an all-welded, closed loop consisting of the reactor vessel, piping, pumps, and steam generators. The heat produced in the reactor core is transferred to the water, which is kept under pressure to prevent boiling. The heated water passes through the steam generators where it gives up its energy. The primary water is then pumped back to the reactor to be heated again.

Inside the steam generators, the heat from the primary system is transferred across a water-tight boundary to the water in the secondary system, also a closed loop. The secondary water, which is at a relatively low pressure, boils, creating steam. Isolation of the secondary system from the primary system prevents water in the two systems from intermixing, keeping radioactivity out of the secondary water.

In the secondary system, steam flows from the steam generators to drive the main propulsion turbines, which turn the ship's propeller, and the turbine generators, which supply the ship with electricity. After passing through the turbines, the steam is condensed back into water and feed pumps return it to the steam generators for reuse. Thus, the primary and secondary systems are separate, closed systems in which constantly circulating water transforms energy produced by the nuclear reaction into useful work.

There is no step in this process that requires the presence of air or oxygen. This, combined with the ship's capability to produce oxygen and purified water from seawater, enables the ship to operate completely independent of the earth's atmosphere for extended periods of time. In fact, the length of a submerged submarine patrol is limited primarily by the amount of food the ship can carry for the crew.

The Nuclear Power Pipeline
All submariners are required to attend the Navy Nuclear Power School in Charleston, SC. This is a six month course of instruction which includes instruction in Chemistry, Mathematics, Materials, Reactor Operations, Thermodynamics, and Reactor Theory and Design. This course of instruction can be considered education on the graduate level and in some instances can be used as graduate level credit later in your career. After completion of Nuclear Power School the student has all of the theoretical tools needed to operate a Naval Nuclear Propulsion Plant.
The next step in the training program is the application of the fundamentals learned in power school at one of the Navy's Nuclear Propulsion Training Units (NPTU). NPTU's are located in Ballston Spa, NY and Charleston, SC. Here the student has the opportunity to get hands on training on an actual nuclear propulsion plant. The NPTU program includes a six week classroom session for the specific plant followed by the "in-hull" phase where students are divided into crews that maintain continuous 24-hour watches at the prototypes. Instruction includes Plant Design, Reactor Operations including startup, shutdown, and casualty simulations, Plant Chemistry Control, and Radiological Controls. Upon completion of Prototype, the student is qualified as an Engineering Officer of the Watch (EOOW) and is allowed to stand watch without an instructor in the maneuvering area. Some students who have shown outstanding initiative, leadership, and technical proficiency may be offered to become a staff instructor for a year following graduation.
After completion of the following year's studies the student is then assigned to Submarine School located in Groton, CT. This beautiful setting located a short distance from Newport, RI, New York, NY, and Boston, MA allows the student to concentrate on his future profession, a SUBMARINE DRIVER. At submarine school the student will lean about Submarine Construction, Weapon Systems, Sonar Systems, Target Motion Analysis, Tactics, and Special Operations. The three month course of instruction, prepares the junior officer for reporting to his first submarine command and provides him the tools for successful integration in the submarine wardroom.

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SSBN: The defenders of peace



"Submarines carrying nuclear-armed ballistic missiles present a credible deterrent. Because of the submarine's stealth, most of the world's military forces have a great difficulty locating or destroying a quiet submarine."
Admiral H.G. Chiles
Former Commander in Chief,
U.S. Strategic Command

Stealth. The key to the success of the "boomer" navy has been their quiet design. The mission of the SSBN is very much different than the SSN. Those who serve on SSBNs preserve world peace by remaining undetected. Operating quietly in patrol areas the size of the south-east United States it is indeed like looking for a needle in a haystack.

SSBNs operate with two crews, the Blue and the Gold. Each crew is either in a 'on-crew' or 'off-crew' status. Those who are 'on-crew' operate the submarine for a period of about 3 months. This period consists of two phases, refit and patrol. During refit the ship undergoes a highly complicated inport period where every piece of equipment is checked out and repaired and upgraded as necessary. This period usually lasts about 25 days. The conclusion of refit culminates when the submarine undergoes an extensive at-sea period call REFTRA or Refresher Training. During REFTRA the sub does a second operational check of all equipment to ensure 100% operability prior to patrol. Following refit the ship then departs on patrol. During patrol, the submarine may have several missions, the most important: remain UNDETECTED. The superior design of the Trident SSBN provides an extremely quiet platform to accomplish this mission. In addition, Trident SSBN are capable of performing many of the same missions of SSNs. These include Anti-Submarine Warfare, Anti-Surface Warfare, Special Operations, and operations with Carrier Battle Groups.

As more Tridents come on line along with current arms limitation, SSBN have continued to play the for of SSN. In addition, port calls for SSBNs, which in the past were a rare item, have continued to grow.

The U.S. Navy currently employs only the OHIO class SSBN. There are currently 18 Tridents in operation today with the USS LOUISIANA being the latest sister ship, commissioned in 1997. SSBN operate in only two U.S. port, Kings Bay, GA and Bremerton, WA.

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Submariner Career Path Information


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NUCLEAR SUBMARINE OFFICERS
The fundamental goal of the nuclear trained submarine officer is to develop the professional skill and operational background to command a nuclear submarine. The achievement of this goal is accomplished through a definite series of professional qualifications, advanced training and operational sea experience.

JUNIOR OFFICER SEA TOUR
Upon completion of Nuclear Power School and Nuclear Prototype, you will be assigned to a submarine. Prior to reporting to your first submarine, you will attend a 12-week Submarine Officer Basic Course in New London, Connecticut. This period of instruction will provide you an opportunity to learn the theory and principles of submarine operation and control, the basic administrative responsibilities of a division officer, the theory of the submerged fire control problem and weapons systems, and the basic fundamentals of submarine operations and tactics. Some officers may attend the 6 week strategic weapons system course at either the Trident training Facility in Kings Bay, GA or Bangor, Washington.

Upon arriving at your first submarine, you will probably be assigned as an engineering department division officer and will begin qualification as Engineering Officer of the Watch. Additionally, you will commence submarine qualification. This is the first of the professional qualifications which you will complete. Normally this qualification requires 12 to 15 months of operational experience. Qualification in submarines requires qualification on each of the major officer watch stations: Engineering Officer of the Watch, Diving Officer of the Watch, Officer of the Deck, and in-port Duty Officer. Demonstration of theoretical and practical knowledge before a board of submarine commanding officers, and an underway demonstration of operational competence culminate in this most important achievement for a submarine junior officer.

The first at-sea assignment is normally 36 months in duration. For a small number of volunteers, the opportunity exists to split tour. The split tours consist of about 2 years on an operational SSN or SSBN followed by a 2 year tour in new construction or overhaul.

Prior to going to your first shore tour, you will be required to complete qualification as Engineer Officer of a nuclear ship. This qualification is the second important professional goal. It is achieved by passing a comprehensive technical examination administered by the Director, Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program. You will normally complete your Engineer Officer qualification about the 24 months point of your JO tour. If you were trained in strategic weapons systems, you should attempt to also complete Strategic Weapons Officer qualification. This is not a requirement at this point; but highly desirable. Qualification is achieved by completion of a qualification card, a written examination, and a comprehensive oral board.

A few selected volunteers will rotate ashore at the 2 year point to instructor billets at the Nuclear Prototypes. These officers have normally completed the Engineer Officer qualification requirements, or will complete Engineer Officer qualification within one year of reporting to the prototype. Requirements for this duty are as follows:

served two years at sea; one year in the engineering department;
qualified in submarines
stood in the upper half of Nuclear Power School and
Prototype (waiverable on a case basis); and recommended by the Commanding Officer
POST JUNIOR OFFICER SHORE TOUR
The first shore assignment normally occurs after 2 1/2 to 3 years at sea. Many junior officers going ashore will fill shore billets at Nuclear Power School, Prototype, Submarine School, and group and squadron staffs. Others will fill important billets at the Naval Academy, NROTC units, recruiting districts, or will attend Naval Postgraduate School (NPGS). Other billets are available is such diverse areas as intelligence, overseas submarine staffs and major Washington area staffs including Naval Military Personnel Command, Strategic Projects and OPNAV.

These shore tours are 2 years in length and will be followed by an at-sea department head tour.

DEPARTMENT HEAD TOUR
The second sea tour is an assignment as a department head. These assignments include:

Engineer Officer on an SSN or SSBN,
Navigator/Operations Officer on an SSN or SSBN and
Weapons Officer on an SSN or SSBN.
The department head tour is preceded by duty under instruction at the Submarine Officer Advanced Course (SOAC) at the Naval Submarine School in New London, Connecticut. SOAC is a 22 week course of instruction which provides submarine qualified officers with advanced in-depth training in the following areas: Shipboard Administration, Sonar, Electronic Warfare, Navigation, Weapons Systems, Weapons Employment Systems, Advanced Submarine Tactics and Weapons Employment, ASW and ASUW Operations, Communications and Operations, Leadership and Management Education Training.

The primary emphasis is placed on instruction and practical work in the tactical employment of the submarine and associated weapons systems. Officers who attend the school are issued permanent change of station orders. Attendance at SOAC requires an agreement to remain on active duty for 24 months after completion of the course.

Officers may be detailed to a "split" department head tour - that is, two tours (total length 4 years) in different billets to maximize professional experience prior to assignment as Executive Officer.

Each department head is challenged to prove himself as a submarine warfare expert, administrator and personnel manager. Performance demonstrated as a department head will provide the primary basis for competing for promotion to lieutenant commander and for selection as Executive Officer.

During the department head tour, you should complete requirements for command qualification. This qualification is the third professional goal. Successful completion of this qualification is predicated upon demonstrating the maturity, professional competence, and leadership required to be a Commanding Officer. The Squadron Commander convenes a board to evaluate each candidate through underway and in-port examinations. The Submarine Force Commander grants final approval as "Qualified for Command of Submarines".

Generally, by the completion of the department head tour, you should be experienced in the operation of both SSNs (attack submarines) and SSBNs (ballistic missile firing submarines).

POST-DEPARTMENT HEAD SHORE TOUR
Officers then rotate to a shore duty assignment after completion of their department head tour(s). This tour will be 2 years in duration. Many of the billets available are involved in the support of the Submarine Force on the staffs of the Squadron, Group and Type Commanders. Billets in the Washington area are available in OPNAV (i.e., Deputy Chief of Naval Operations - Submarine Warfare), in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, and in the Naval Military Personnel Command, among others. Additionally, selected officers completing an Engineer Officer tour are assigned to fleet commander staffs as members of the Nuclear Propulsion Examining Board.

EXECUTIVE OFFICER TOUR
Your assignment as Executive Officer (XO) is contingent upon selection by a formal Executive Officer Screening Board convened by the Chief of Naval Personnel. You will be considered for selection by three separate boards over a 3 year period. Your first screening will be by the board convened in the summer prior to the fiscal year in which you reach 10 years of commissioned service.

Executive officer tour lengths are 22-26 months. In addition to your specific duties as XO, you will normally complete requirements for command qualification early in this tour, if this qualification was not completed during your department head tour. Qualifying for command and being selected for command are not the same. Selection for command is carried out by the Submarine Command Selection Board. An officer is considered by the board once a year for 3 years, starting in his 12th year of commissioned service.

POST-EXECUTIVE OFFICER SHORE TOUR
Officers generally are assigned to a shore duty prior to command. This 2 year tour will be in a wide variety of challenging assignments, primarily on major staffs and in the Washington, DC area.

COMMAND TOURS
Officers selected and qualified will be ordered directly to command upon the completion of their post-Executive Officer shore tour. Prior to reporting to their ships, they will attend about 6 months of formal Prospective Commanding Officer (PCO) training. Specific submarine PCO training is conducted by the Director, Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program (13 weeks), and the type commander (9 weeks). Command tour length will normally be 3 years.

POST-COMMAND SHORE TOUR
Following command, nuclear submarine officers are assigned ashore in a variety of billets. Some of the most challenging assignments are in the submarine support area. These include submarine squadron deputy commander for training and readiness, as well as positions on submarine Group and Type Commanders' staffs in weapons, operations, plans and training. Assignments are also available outside the submarine support area and include tours in Washington, DC, overseas, and as a student at the Naval War College. The nominal post-command tour length is 2 years.

Graphically the career path looks like this: