FIRST CENTURY OF SUBMARINE ACHIEVEMENTS

First U.S. Submarine –

The United States Submarine Force came into existence on October 12, 1900 with the commissioning of the USS Holland.

Early 1900s and World War I –

Submarines were charged with coastal and harbor defense during their first two decades. During this period, they adopted the gasoline engine for surface propulsion, the periscope, and an improved hull design.

World War II –

Of approximately 6,000,000 tons comprising the Japanese merchant fleet at the beginning of the war (from 1941 through 1945), U.S. submarines sank 4,859,634 tons in 1,113 vessels. Japan required about 3,000,000 tons of shipping just to feed its’ citizens and support its’ industry. This virtual isolation of Japan, loss of oil from the south, and general disruption of commerce, has been cited as the primary reason of her defeat. The U.S. Submarine Force, composed of about 50,000 men, represented 1.6% of the U.S. Navy. This small force inflicted a staggering 55% of Japan’s maritime losses. Seven submariners earned the Medal of Honor; two posthumously. Fifty-two of 288 submarines, and the 3,500 men who manned them, were lost and remain on eternal patrol.

The Cold War –

The Soviets made the submarine force the centerpiece of their post World War II naval expansion, and their strategic nuclear force. The U.S. Submarine Force hounded them, causing the Soviets to commit vast resources in pursuit of undersea superiority, or at least parity. Neither was achieved, but during the process the Soviets went broke, both financially and politically.

As the best anti-submarine platform, by a significant margin, U.S. nuclear attack submarines, or SSN, have also conducted precision strikes by Tomahawk cruise missiles, gathered intelligence, laid mines, and inserted and extracted Special Forces. To date, the Submarine Force has conducted 2,850 special missions, for a total of 312 years of submerged operations “in harm’s way”.

Since 1960, 3,257 strategic deterrent patrols have been conducted by the U.S. fleet of ballistic missile submarines, or SSBN. This equates to 625 years of submerged operations, much of it with missiles at the “alert” mode, ready to be launched if so ordered by the President. Although it has never been necessary to launch any missiles in war time, the ability to do so has allowed the United States to achieve peace through strength.

Science and Technology Contributions

Submarines have been on numerous scientific expeditions to the Artic, participated in salvage and rescue operations, and provided the technical basis for deep ocean exploration. The application of nuclear power to submarines reinforced the image of the United States as a super power and a leader in technology. Many of the innovations and technological advances in nuclear power developed by the U.S. Navy are now used by the manufacturing industry and by commercial power plants.

Conclusion

During its’ 100 years of existence, the U.S. Submarine Force matured from its’ infancy as a coastal patrol force, came of age during World War II, and led to a successful and peaceful conclusion of the Cold War. Over 400,000 men and women have served in submarines themselves, or have directly supported the boats and their crews. The Submarine Force has been, and remains, a battle-proven key component of America’s armed forces; ready and able to silently project force in keeping the peace, or going into harm’s way to regain it.