Submarines

In order to carry out their missions, submariners are equipped with some of the most sophisticated machinery available. From special mini-subs used for inserting SEAL teams into hostile target areas to Ballistic missiles to advanced computers and sonar equipment, submariners work with some of the most secretive, and high-tech equipment in the world.

The most important technology is the subs themselves. Usually referred to as “boats”, these vessels can be as much as 560 feet long — just short of the length of two football fields. Subs are extremely complex and costly to build, but the advantages they give to the U.S. Navy in stealth, speed, and firepower can’t be matched by any other vessel.

Ohio-Class SSBN: Fleet Ballistic Missile Submarine

Size: 560 feet long by 42 feet wide, displacing 18,750 tons submerged, crew of 155

Propulsion and Speed: One nuclear reactor; 20+ knots (23+ m.p.h.)

Mission: Nuclear deterrence. These subs can launch many nuclear missiles even after a sneak attack and can remain hidden underwater for months at a time. Also armed with torpedoes for self-defense.

Los Angeles-class SSN: Fast Attack Submarine

Size: 360 feet long by 33 feet wide, displacing 6,900 tons submerged, crew of 134

Propulsion and Speed: One nuclear reactor; 20+ knots (23+ m.p.h.)

Mission: Seek and destroy enemy submarines and surface ships. Also can launch cruise missiles against land targets and can be used in intelligence roles. Los Angeles subs are fast, quiet, maneuverable, and carry a variety of weapons.

Seawolf-class SSN: Fast Attack Submarine

Size: 353 feet long by 40 feet wide, displacing 9,150 tons submerged, crew of 134

Propulsion and Speed: One nuclear reactor; 25+ knots (28+ m.p.h.)

Mission: Seek and destroy enemy submarines and surface ships. Seawolf was designed to be the quietest and best-armed sub with twice the weapons of the Los Angeles class.

Tomahawk Cruise Missile:

Size: 20.5 feet long by 8.75 foot wingspan, diameter of 20.4 inches.

Propulsion and Speed: Turbofan engine with rocket booster; about 550 m.p.h.

Mission: Long range, subsonic cruise missile used for land attack warfare, launched from surface ships and submarines, can carry one large warhead or a canister of small bombs that are dispersed over target. Can carry out missions with high accuracy and minimal risk.

Mark 48 Heavyweight Torpedo:

Size: 19 feet long by 21 inch diameter

Propulsion and Speed: Piston engine w/pump jet; 28+ knots (32+ m.p.h.)

Mission: Self-propelled guided projectile that operates underwater and is designed to detonate on contact or in proximity to a target. The Mark 48 carries 650 pounds of high explosive and can sink subs or even large ships.

Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle — DSRV

Size: 49 feet long by 8 feet wide, displacing 38 tons submerged, crew of four

Propulsion and Speed: Electric motors w/silver/zinc batteries; 4 knots (5 m.p.h.)

Mission: perform rescue operations on submerged, disabled submarines of the U.S. or foreign navies, can be carried quickly to an accident site by sub, plane or truck. The DSRV has room to carry 24 crewmen from a damaged sub.