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108 Years Ago
By Bull Nav
On 11 April 1900, the Navy took delivery of the first submarine, SS-1. Since then, today has always marked the birthday of the Submarine Force.
From those humble beginnings, it grew to have a significant impact on the war with Japan. While comprising less than 2% of the Navy, the Submarine Force accounted for 55% of all Japanese ships sunk during World War II.
Today, about 3% of the Navy manpower (about 10,000 men) man the 52 SSNs, 14 SSBNs, and 4 SSGNs that comprise the force (about 21% of our total combatants). Though you don't hear of them much in this day an age of the Global War on Terror, OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM, and OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM, rest assured that those guys are going to sea and making significant contributions.
It is not for nothing, that our Submarine Force is referred to as the "Silent Service." During the '90s while the number of submarines was cut in half, worldwide combatant commander requirements increased 1000%. SSNs went to sea for months at a stretch, in radio silence. Likewise the SSBNs continued with their deterrent patrols, just as they have since the days of the 41 for Freedom.
They are always out there, always on patrol or on a mission.
Happy Birthday!
For more info, go to the SUBLANT history or the USS NAUTILUS (SSN571) Museum website.
Also, The Subreport has a daily roundup of submarine-related issues.
UPDATE: Since LtCol P asked (and Richard answered quite nicely) in the comments, I did not realize some folks might not know what the SSGN is. You can go to the SUBLANT site here to see the detail on the conversion of the first 4 Tridents to carry up to 154 Tomahawk Cruise missles, and a whole bunch of SPECWAR folks.
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Comments
If you wanted to, you could go back to the Turtle, but neither the Turtle nor the Hunley were part of the US Navy.
I will make a point of posting on the Hunley at some point in the future...
Thanks!
There are two types of ships in the Navy.
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TARGETS
Bull Sir,
A toast to the "Silent Service."
God protect those below the waves.
What, pray tell, is an SSGN?
Several years ago the Navy decided to convert a few of its first Trident Fleet Ballistic Missile submarines (SSBNs) for special operations use. The refitted subs reserved a few missile tubes for carrying SEAL equipment and installed launchers for cruise missiles in the remaining tubes.
The newly designated SSGNs cary over 150 cruise missiles and up to 100 SEALS and recon Marines. We could fight an entire small war with a single SSGN.
Found it a great launch
I thank you very much
Appreciation and respect
I liked your topic
I wish you success
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What about the CSS "HORACE L. HUNLEY"? Granted, it was part of the Confederate States' Navy... But it did engage in battle, sinking the USS HOUSATONIC off the coast of Charleston, SC (and despite sinking twice during its "OT&E" :-).
BOTTOM GUNS!