Submarines are some of the most mysterious and captivating machines ever built, capable of disappearing beneath the waves and staying hidden for weeks or even months. Access is limited to a carefully chosen crew, leaving the vast majority of us to wonder what really goes on below the surface.
In this article, we peel back the curtain on life aboard a submarine, exploring the day-to-day challenges, strict routines, and unique experiences faced by those serving in one of the most secluded and high-security environments in the armed forces—one few outsiders will ever witness firsthand.
Overview of how submarines have developed over the years
Nuclear-powered submarines integrate nuclear storehouses, launch platforms and weaponry to present an elusive and formidable package. Before the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START), the US Navy’s 14 Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines were armed with 24 submarine-launched ballistic missiles, each carrying multiple warheads. As per the treaty, each is now limited to a maximum of 20.
Typically, submarines embark on 77-day sea patrols, equipped with a 90-day food supply, before returning to port for just over a month. The Navy’s ballistic missile submarines operate with two alternating crews – Blue and Gold – maximizing their operational efficiency and minimizing the number of vessels deployed.
The inaugural combat submarine, designed during the American Revolution, was the Turtle. This roughly eight-foot spherical vessel held a single individual and was manually powered. Shortly after her development, Turtle executed the world’s first submarine attack by stealthily navigating underwater, penetrating the HMS Eagle (1774) and installing explosives in her hull.
In contemporary times, submarines like the Ohio-class boast an impressive length of 560 feet and a weight exceeding 18,750 tons when submerged. The Navy’s submarine fleet comprises 53 fast-attack submarines, 14 ballistic missile submarines (holding more than half of the American nuclear arsenal) and four guided-missile submarines.
Personnel stationed on these submarines undergo rigorous training, including exercises like Ice Exercise (ICEX) 2022, preparing them to navigate complex and potentially perilous environments. Such training is crucial given the uncertainties associated with serving beneath the ocean’s surface.
What is downtime like inside a submarine?
Life on a submarine comes with its challenges. Like sailors on surface ships, submariners must adapt to tight living quarters, limited space to move around, and a restricted variety of food. However, unlike surface ships, submarines have no natural light, and even the gym equipment is specially designed to operate quietly to avoid detection by other vessels.
Despite these hardships, submarine crews develop deep bonds that often last a lifetime. Spending months together in such confined spaces naturally fosters strong teamwork and camaraderie—both of which are essential for successfully completing their missions.
There are also aspects of submarine life that many people may not realize. One major difference from life on a surface ship is the strict schedule that keeps operations running smoothly. Submariners follow a structured routine, rotating through three six-hour shifts: six hours on duty, six hours of personal time, and six hours for sleep.
Dealing with deadly weapons onboard the vessel
Taking care of weapons is one of the most important responsibilities for submariners. Although submarines often focus on patrol and surveillance, their missile systems are a vital part of military operations. To stay prepared, the crew must regularly check and maintain their weapons and other equipment so everything is ready to go at a moment’s notice.
The U.S. Navy plans to expand its fleet by adding up to three Virginia-class fast-attack submarines each year through 2043. Still, some experts—like former Submarine Forces Commander Vice Adm. Michael Connor—say that won’t be enough. He believes the Navy needs 66 more submarines to meet the rising need for strong underwater military power.
Looking ahead, the Navy is also working on replacing its aging Ohio-class submarines with the new Columbia-class. The first of these advanced submarines is expected to join the fleet by 2031.
Submarines play a critical role in deep-sea rescue
Submarines are not only essential for military operations but are also ideal for deep-sea rescue missions and scientific research, helping to uncover the ocean’s most hidden secrets.
For rescue missions, submarines use deep-submergence rescue vehicles (DSRVs). The DSRVs used by the US Navy are capable of rescuing up to 24 people at depths of up to 600 meters, with a maximum operational depth of 1,500 meters.
These vehicles can be transported in a “MOSUB,” or mother submarine, which carries them to the rescue locations. Although most submarines equipped to carry DSRVs are part of the US military, several NATO member countries, including the British and French navies, have also adapted their submarines to carry these vehicles.
Life inside a submarine means dealing with navigational challenges
Despite seeming complex, steering a submarine is relatively simple—even though the person at the helm can’t actually see where they’re going. Instead of vision, submarines depend on sonar to identify nearby objects and hazards in the water. They’re also equipped with an inertial navigation system (INS), which tracks the sub’s position by measuring its motion over time.
Because GPS and radio waves don’t penetrate water, the INS plays a crucial role in navigation while helping the submarine remain undetectable to adversaries. This high-tech system uses gyroscopes and accelerometers to determine speed and direction.
One of the most iconic pieces of submarine equipment is the periscope. This tall, narrow instrument allows the crew to observe the surface while staying hidden beneath the waves. Some models can extend as high as 60 feet!
Has much has changed over the years?
When comparing older submarines to their modern counterparts, it’s striking how similar they are, especially when looking at those used during World War I and II. Though these early subs were slower and couldn’t stay submerged for as long as today’s vessels, they still played a crucial role in reconnaissance and providing support at sea.
The most significant leap in submarine technology came after the war with the introduction of nuclear-powered submarines in 1954. Unlike their diesel-powered predecessors, these nuclear submarines marked the dawn of a new era. Their ability to remain submerged indefinitely, thanks to nuclear power, made them the first true submarines in terms of endurance and operational capabilities.