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All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or utilized in any
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[Link]
Contents
PHOTO CREDITS: Cover, title page, p. 5, 6, 8, 10, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, chapter 1 Submarines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
29 courtesy U.S. Navy; p. 25, 26, 27, 28 courtesy U.S. Department of Defense
National Archives

Title page: A commanding officer of a fast attack submarine looks through the chapter 2 kinds of submarines . . . . . . . . . . . .14
periscope in the ship’s control room.

Editor: Frank Sloan chapter 3 Submarine Characteristics . . . . . . .20

chapter 4 Early History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

chapter 5 World War II . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Stone, Lynn M.
Submarines / Lynn M. Stone.
p. cm. -- (Fighting forces on the sea) chapter 6 After World War II . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN 1-59515-466-3 (hardcover)
1. Submarines (Ships)--United States--Juvenile literature. I. Title. chapter 7 The Future of Submarines . . . . . . .29
V858.S76 2006
623.825'7--dc22
2005014704 Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

Printed in the USA

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
CG/CG

Further Reading/Websites to Visit . . . . . . . . . .32

[Link] – rourke@[Link]
Post Office Box 3328, Vero Beach, FL 32964

1
 Submarines

The modern submarine is one of the most

complex and lethal weapons ever devised.
Like a great shark, it can lurk deep in the
ocean, travel swiftly and silently, and then
deliver a sudden, crushing blow to any
opponent. Unlike earlier submarines, modern
American submarines are nuclear-powered.
Nuclear submarines can remain underwater for
months at a time, cruising secretly and
stealthily throughout the oceans, even under
ONE

polar ice packs. They have built-in systems to

make oxygen for their crews, and the nuclear
engines do not need oxygen. Earlier
submarines had to surface for fresh air to
recharge their batteries. On top of the sea, s
they were easy targets for surface warships The Jimmy Carter is an extended hull Seawolf-class attack
and patrol planes. submarine. The longer hull will provide the room necessary
for testing a new generation of weapons, sensors, and
undersea vehicles.

4 5
 Submarines

The modern submarine is one of the most

complex and lethal weapons ever devised.
Like a great shark, it can lurk deep in the
ocean, travel swiftly and silently, and then
deliver a sudden, crushing blow to any
opponent. Unlike earlier submarines, modern
American submarines are nuclear-powered.
Nuclear submarines can remain underwater for
months at a time, cruising secretly and
stealthily throughout the oceans, even under
ONE

polar ice packs. They have built-in systems to

make oxygen for their crews, and the nuclear
engines do not need oxygen. Earlier
submarines had to surface for fresh air to
recharge their batteries. On top of the sea, s
they were easy targets for surface warships The Jimmy Carter is an extended hull Seawolf-class attack
and patrol planes. submarine. The longer hull will provide the room necessary
for testing a new generation of weapons, sensors, and
undersea vehicles.

4 5
 A submarine dives by filling its stern and
bow ballast tanks with water, which quickly
adds additional weight. It can dive over 100 feet
(30.5 meters) in less than a minute,
FACT FILE H
and it can safely reach depths
around 1,300 feet (396 meters). A G E N E R A L LY, A
S U B M A R I N E T R A V E L S S LO W LY.
submarine dive is limited by the THE FASTER IT TRAVELS, THE
amount of water pressure its hull MORE NOISE IT GENERATES TO

can tolerate. The sub lightens itself E N E M Y S O N A R .

for returning to the surface by
blowing water out.
America’s nuclear submarines
spend nearly all of their operational
time undersea, where they can
travel at speeds over 30 knots (35 miles, 56
kilometers per hour).
t
The attack submarine USS Columbus conducts an
emergency surface training exercise off the coast of
Oahu, Hawaii.

6 7
 A submarine dives by filling its stern and
bow ballast tanks with water, which quickly
adds additional weight. It can dive over 100 feet
(30.5 meters) in less than a minute,
FACT FILE H
and it can safely reach depths
around 1,300 feet (396 meters). A G E N E R A L LY, A
S U B M A R I N E T R A V E L S S LO W LY.
submarine dive is limited by the THE FASTER IT TRAVELS, THE
amount of water pressure its hull MORE NOISE IT GENERATES TO

can tolerate. The sub lightens itself E N E M Y S O N A R .

for returning to the surface by
blowing water out.
America’s nuclear submarines
spend nearly all of their operational
time undersea, where they can
travel at speeds over 30 knots (35 miles, 56
kilometers per hour).
t
The attack submarine USS Columbus conducts an
emergency surface training exercise off the coast of
Oahu, Hawaii.

6 7
 A submarine’s crew in the darkness of the
deep ocean knows its location through a built-in
guidance system. Navigational charts and sonar
help a submarine commander
FACT FILE H
recognize dangerous underwater
obstacles. Inaccurate charts can BOAT OR SHIP?
SUBMARINES, ACCORDING TO
be life-threatening for a T H E N A V Y, A R E , I N F A C T ,
submarine, especially if the WARSHIPS. BOTH FAST ATTACK
AND BALLISTIC MISSILE
ship’s sonar is inactive. SUBMARINES ARE LARGE
VESSELS. HOWEVER,
SUBMARINES ARE STILL
A F F E C T I O N A T E LY R E F E R R E D
t
TO—EVEN IN THE NAVY—AS
In this painting, a new Virginia-class attack submarine “ B O A T S .”
fires a torpedo. The first Virginia-class warship was
delivered to the U.S. Navy in 2004.

8 9
 A submarine’s crew in the darkness of the
deep ocean knows its location through a built-in
guidance system. Navigational charts and sonar
help a submarine commander
FACT FILE H
recognize dangerous underwater
obstacles. Inaccurate charts can BOAT OR SHIP?
SUBMARINES, ACCORDING TO
be life-threatening for a T H E N A V Y, A R E , I N F A C T ,
submarine, especially if the WARSHIPS. BOTH FAST ATTACK
AND BALLISTIC MISSILE
ship’s sonar is inactive. SUBMARINES ARE LARGE
VESSELS. HOWEVER,
SUBMARINES ARE STILL
A F F E C T I O N A T E LY R E F E R R E D
t
TO—EVEN IN THE NAVY—AS
In this painting, a new Virginia-class attack submarine “ B O A T S .”
fires a torpedo. The first Virginia-class warship was
delivered to the U.S. Navy in 2004.

8 9
 Submariners themselves—about 140 per
ship—are almost as unusual as the ships on
which they serve. They are twice-over
volunteers—volunteers within the all-volunteer
U.S. Military. They work in a unique and highly
confined environment, like a windowless, three-
story building just 30 feet (9 FACT FILE H
meters) wide, in spaces T H E U.S. N A V Y ’ S
surrounded by technology. And SUBMARINE FLEET IS THE
W O R L D ’ S L A R G E S T . I T I N C LU D E S
they are aboard for two or more F A S T A T T A C K S U B M A R I N E S
months at a time. ( D E S I G N A T E D SSN B Y T H E
N A V Y ), GUIDED MISSILE
t SUBMARINES (SSGN), AND
A Navy lieutenant watches the console in the control BALLISTIC MISSILE SUBMARINES
room of the fast attack submarine USS Hampton on its (SSBN).
way to the North Pole.

10 11
 Submariners themselves—about 140 per
ship—are almost as unusual as the ships on
which they serve. They are twice-over
volunteers—volunteers within the all-volunteer
U.S. Military. They work in a unique and highly
confined environment, like a windowless, three-
story building just 30 feet (9 FACT FILE H
meters) wide, in spaces T H E U.S. N A V Y ’ S
surrounded by technology. And SUBMARINE FLEET IS THE
W O R L D ’ S L A R G E S T . I T I N C LU D E S
they are aboard for two or more F A S T A T T A C K S U B M A R I N E S
months at a time. ( D E S I G N A T E D SSN B Y T H E
N A V Y ), GUIDED MISSILE
t SUBMARINES (SSGN), AND
A Navy lieutenant watches the console in the control BALLISTIC MISSILE SUBMARINES
room of the fast attack submarine USS Hampton on its (SSBN).
way to the North Pole.

10 11
 Submarine Specifications Submarine Specifications
Ballistic Missile Attack Submarines – Attack Submarines – Attack Submarines –
Submarines - SSBN SSN (Los Angeles class) SSN (Seawolf class) SSN (Virginia class)
(Ohio class)
Powerplant: Powerplant: Powerplant: Powerplant:
One nuclear reactor, one shaft One nuclear reactor, one shaft One nuclear reactor, one shaft One nuclear reactor, one shaft
Length: Length: Length: Length:
560 feet (171 meters) 360 feet (110 meters) Seawolf and Connecticut 353 feet 377 feet (115 meters)
Beam: Beam: (108 meters); Jimmy Carter 453 feet Beam:
42 feet (13 meters) 33 feet (10 meters) (138 meters) 34 feet (10.4 meters)
Displacement: Displacement: Beam: Displacement:
18,750 tons (17,063 metric tons) 6,900 tons (6,279 metric tons) 40 feet (12 meters) 7,800 tons (7,098 metric tons)
submerged submerged Displacement: submerged
Speed: Speed: Seawolf and Connecticut 9,138 Speed:
20+ knots (23+ miles, 37+ 20+ knots (23+ miles, 37+ tons (8,448 metric tons); Jimmy 25+ knots (28+ miles, 46+
kilometers per hour) kilometers per hour) Carter 12,158 tons (11,391 metric kilometers per hour)
Ship’s company: Ship’s company: tons) submerged Ship’s company:
15 officers, 140 enlisted 13 officers, 121 enlisted Speed: 14 officers, 120 enlisted
Armament: Armament: 25+ knots (28+ miles, 46+ Armament:
24 tubes for Trident I and II, MK-48 Tomahawk missiles, VLS tubes (SSN kilometers per hour) Tomahawk missiles, 12 VLS tubes;
torpedoes, four torpedo tubes 719 and later); MK-48 torpedoes, Ship’s company: MK-48 ADCAP torpedoes, 4 torpedo
Commissioning date, first ship: four torpedo tubes 14 officers, 126 enlisted tubes
1981 Commissioning date, first ship: Armament: Commissioning date, first ship:
1976 Tomahawk missiles; MK-48 2004
torpedoes, 8 torpedo tubes
Commissioning date, first ship:
1997

12 13
 Submarine Specifications Submarine Specifications
Ballistic Missile Attack Submarines – Attack Submarines – Attack Submarines –
Submarines - SSBN SSN (Los Angeles class) SSN (Seawolf class) SSN (Virginia class)
(Ohio class)
Powerplant: Powerplant: Powerplant: Powerplant:
One nuclear reactor, one shaft One nuclear reactor, one shaft One nuclear reactor, one shaft One nuclear reactor, one shaft
Length: Length: Length: Length:
560 feet (171 meters) 360 feet (110 meters) Seawolf and Connecticut 353 feet 377 feet (115 meters)
Beam: Beam: (108 meters); Jimmy Carter 453 feet Beam:
42 feet (13 meters) 33 feet (10 meters) (138 meters) 34 feet (10.4 meters)
Displacement: Displacement: Beam: Displacement:
18,750 tons (17,063 metric tons) 6,900 tons (6,279 metric tons) 40 feet (12 meters) 7,800 tons (7,098 metric tons)
submerged submerged Displacement: submerged
Speed: Speed: Seawolf and Connecticut 9,138 Speed:
20+ knots (23+ miles, 37+ 20+ knots (23+ miles, 37+ tons (8,448 metric tons); Jimmy 25+ knots (28+ miles, 46+
kilometers per hour) kilometers per hour) Carter 12,158 tons (11,391 metric kilometers per hour)
Ship’s company: Ship’s company: tons) submerged Ship’s company:
15 officers, 140 enlisted 13 officers, 121 enlisted Speed: 14 officers, 120 enlisted
Armament: Armament: 25+ knots (28+ miles, 46+ Armament:
24 tubes for Trident I and II, MK-48 Tomahawk missiles, VLS tubes (SSN kilometers per hour) Tomahawk missiles, 12 VLS tubes;
torpedoes, four torpedo tubes 719 and later); MK-48 torpedoes, Ship’s company: MK-48 ADCAP torpedoes, 4 torpedo
Commissioning date, first ship: four torpedo tubes 14 officers, 126 enlisted tubes
1981 Commissioning date, first ship: Armament: Commissioning date, first ship:
1976 Tomahawk missiles; MK-48 2004
torpedoes, 8 torpedo tubes
Commissioning date, first ship:
1997

12 13
 kinds of
submarines

Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines,

sometimes called Trident submarines, carry
long-range strategic Trident missiles. Trident
submarines are designed to attack military
bases and cities from the sea. Their long-range
missiles can hit targets from 1,500 to 4,000
miles (2,400 to 6,400 kilometers) distant. A
ballistic submarine could hit New York City, for
example, with a missile launched from the
TWO

Pacific Ocean about 1,500 miles (2,400

kilometers) west of Los Angeles! The missiles
are fired through launching tubes in the
submarine hull.
t
An Ohio-class Trident submarine cruises off the
Bahama Islands.

14 15
 kinds of
submarines

Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines,

sometimes called Trident submarines, carry
long-range strategic Trident missiles. Trident
submarines are designed to attack military
bases and cities from the sea. Their long-range
missiles can hit targets from 1,500 to 4,000
miles (2,400 to 6,400 kilometers) distant. A
ballistic submarine could hit New York City, for
example, with a missile launched from the
TWO

Pacific Ocean about 1,500 miles (2,400

kilometers) west of Los Angeles! The missiles
are fired through launching tubes in the
submarine hull.
t
An Ohio-class Trident submarine cruises off the
Bahama Islands.

14 15
 These submarines represent one of America’s Armed with a variety of weapons, including
greatest deterrents to nuclear attack from any Tomahawk missiles, attack submarines are
potential enemy. Any aggressor would risk not designed largely to seek and destroy enemy
only a retaliatory attack from American land- ships, including enemy submarines. The ships are
based missiles, but also from concealed Trident equipped with sonar (sound navigation and
subs as well. ranging system), periscopes, and radar to
The four oldest of the 18 Ohio-class identify surface ships. The Navy has 51 attack
submarines are being converted to guided submarines in the Los Angeles
missile submarines (SSGN). These ships will be class, the first of which was the USS Los Angeles.
armed with up to 154 Tomahawk or Tactical Los Angeles was commissioned in 1976. The
Tomahawk land attack missiles. They will also be 360-foot (110-meter) long Los Angeles
able to carry up to 66 submarines are the
Special Forces troops. backbone of the
Equally important, the SSGN Navy’s attack subs.
subs can support the Special
Forces up to 90 days. SSN Three curious polar

t
bears approach the
subs outfitted for Special bow of the Los
Forces are limited to two- Angeles-class attack
week support operations. submarine Honolulu.
Not invited aboard,
One of the four Ohio-class the three bears
t

submarines being converted to a wandered away after

guided-missile warship, the USS a two-hour wait.
Ohio undergoes work at Puget
Sound Naval Shipyard,
Bremerton, Washington, in 2004.

16 17
 These submarines represent one of America’s Armed with a variety of weapons, including
greatest deterrents to nuclear attack from any Tomahawk missiles, attack submarines are
potential enemy. Any aggressor would risk not designed largely to seek and destroy enemy
only a retaliatory attack from American land- ships, including enemy submarines. The ships are
based missiles, but also from concealed Trident equipped with sonar (sound navigation and
subs as well. ranging system), periscopes, and radar to
The four oldest of the 18 Ohio-class identify surface ships. The Navy has 51 attack
submarines are being converted to guided submarines in the Los Angeles
missile submarines (SSGN). These ships will be class, the first of which was the USS Los Angeles.
armed with up to 154 Tomahawk or Tactical Los Angeles was commissioned in 1976. The
Tomahawk land attack missiles. They will also be 360-foot (110-meter) long Los Angeles
able to carry up to 66 submarines are the
Special Forces troops. backbone of the
Equally important, the SSGN Navy’s attack subs.
subs can support the Special
Forces up to 90 days. SSN Three curious polar

t
bears approach the
subs outfitted for Special bow of the Los
Forces are limited to two- Angeles-class attack
week support operations. submarine Honolulu.
Not invited aboard,
One of the four Ohio-class the three bears
t

submarines being converted to a wandered away after

guided-missile warship, the USS a two-hour wait.
Ohio undergoes work at Puget
Sound Naval Shipyard,
Bremerton, Washington, in 2004.

16 17
 The Navy also has three Seawolf-class attack The newest class of attack submarines, the
submarines, which are newer, quieter, and 377-foot (115-meter) long Virginia class, is
faster than the Los Angeles class. They were designed for shallow water warfare as well as
designed to be the ultimate deep-water deep sea operations. The first of the class, the
submarine hunters when the United States USS Virginia, was delivered to the Navy in 2004.
was concerned about the threat of Soviet Eventually, the Navy may have 30 Virginia
nuclear submarines. The USS Seawolf, the first class submarines.
of the class, was commissioned in 1997. The
newest of the three ships is the USS Jimmy
Carter. It is considerably longer (453 feet to
353 feet, 138 meters
to 108 meters) than its
classmates. While the
Jimmy Carter will
operate as an attack
sub, the Navy is also
using its larger size to
test new technologies
and equipment.

t
t The USS Virginia returns to the General Dynamics Electric
The longest of the Seawolf-class attack submarines, Boat shipyard in Groton, Connecticut, following its first
Jimmy Carter was commissioned by the U.S. Navy in 2005. voyage in open seas during summer, 2004.

18 19
 The Navy also has three Seawolf-class attack The newest class of attack submarines, the
submarines, which are newer, quieter, and 377-foot (115-meter) long Virginia class, is
faster than the Los Angeles class. They were designed for shallow water warfare as well as
designed to be the ultimate deep-water deep sea operations. The first of the class, the
submarine hunters when the United States USS Virginia, was delivered to the Navy in 2004.
was concerned about the threat of Soviet Eventually, the Navy may have 30 Virginia
nuclear submarines. The USS Seawolf, the first class submarines.
of the class, was commissioned in 1997. The
newest of the three ships is the USS Jimmy
Carter. It is considerably longer (453 feet to
353 feet, 138 meters
to 108 meters) than its
classmates. While the
Jimmy Carter will
operate as an attack
sub, the Navy is also
using its larger size to
test new technologies
and equipment.

t
t The USS Virginia returns to the General Dynamics Electric
The longest of the Seawolf-class attack submarines, Boat shipyard in Groton, Connecticut, following its first
Jimmy Carter was commissioned by the U.S. Navy in 2005. voyage in open seas during summer, 2004.

18 19
 Submarine
Characteristics

A submarine is long and rounded, like a cigar

with a teardrop head. That shape slices more
easily through an undersea, all-water
environment than through a water-and-air
environment, which a sub encounters on the
ocean surface. Modern American submarines
can actually travel faster under water, their
THREE

primary environment, than on the surface. Even

the first American nuclear sub, the Nautilus,
was designed with a narrow bow for more
surface speed.

t
Almost like a steel cigar, the nuclear-powered attack
submarine USS Albany slips through Chesapeake Bay after
a six-month mission.
20 21
 Submarine
Characteristics

A submarine is long and rounded, like a cigar

with a teardrop head. That shape slices more
easily through an undersea, all-water
environment than through a water-and-air
environment, which a sub encounters on the
ocean surface. Modern American submarines
can actually travel faster under water, their
THREE

primary environment, than on the surface. Even

the first American nuclear sub, the Nautilus,
was designed with a narrow bow for more
surface speed.

t
Almost like a steel cigar, the nuclear-powered attack
submarine USS Albany slips through Chesapeake Bay after
a six-month mission.
20 21
 A submarine’s streamlined hull is made of The nuclear energy that powers a submarine
titanium, a very strong but lightweight metal. allows a sub to stay on patrol almost indefinitely.
The smooth flow of the hull is interrupted by If necessary, it can spend up to six months
the submarine’s sail, or conning tower, the submerged, returning to base only for food and
tall, slender structure that rises from the supplies. As the Navy says, “There’s no need to
submarine hull. About 20 feet (6 meters) tall, stop for gas.” The nuclear material of a
the sail houses periscopes and radar and radio submarine needs to be replaced only once or
equipment. The submarine captain uses the twice in the ship’s lifetime.
top of the sail as a command bridge when the
ship is on the ocean surface.

t
t The crews of the attack submarine USS Hampton and Great
A submarine’s sail, or conning tower, houses its Britain’s attack submarine Tireless met on the ice of the
periscope and much of its electronic systems. North Pole along with scientists from both ships.
22 23
 A submarine’s streamlined hull is made of The nuclear energy that powers a submarine
titanium, a very strong but lightweight metal. allows a sub to stay on patrol almost indefinitely.
The smooth flow of the hull is interrupted by If necessary, it can spend up to six months
the submarine’s sail, or conning tower, the submerged, returning to base only for food and
tall, slender structure that rises from the supplies. As the Navy says, “There’s no need to
submarine hull. About 20 feet (6 meters) tall, stop for gas.” The nuclear material of a
the sail houses periscopes and radar and radio submarine needs to be replaced only once or
equipment. The submarine captain uses the twice in the ship’s lifetime.
top of the sail as a command bridge when the
ship is on the ocean surface.

t
t The crews of the attack submarine USS Hampton and Great
A submarine’s sail, or conning tower, houses its Britain’s attack submarine Tireless met on the ice of the
periscope and much of its electronic systems. North Pole along with scientists from both ships.
22 23
 Early history The first somewhat reliable American
submarine was the invention of John Holland. It
could travel 6 knots (7 miles, 11 kilometers) per
The possibility of undersea travel captured
hour under water. Named the USS Holland, it
imaginations long before it became a reality. A
was added to the Navy fleet in 1900.
Dutch scientist in 1620 managed to submerge
But in the next few years, Germany led the
a rowboat covered with waterproof hides—
way in submarine development. Germany’s
without killing himself.
Unterseeboote, or U-boats, became a deadly
American David Bushnell designed the
menace to surface
Turtle, a one-man submersible. The Turtle
ships as World War I
attempted to sink a British warship in New
(1914-1918) unfolded.
York Harbor in 1776, but this first known
After America’s entry
attack by submarine failed.
into the war in 1917,
During the Civil War FACT FILE H
U.S. submarines were
(1861-1865), another one- A GERMAN SUBMARINE used largely to patrol
man submersible, the TORPEDOED THE BRITISH OCEAN
American coasts. After
FOUR

L I N E R L U S I TA N I A I N M A Y, 1915.
Confederate Hunley,
A M O N G T H E 1,201 P A S S E N G E R S the war, American
succeeded in sinking the K I L L E D W E R E 128 A M E R I C A N S .
designers made
Union Housatonic. But the S I M I L A R A T T A C K S B Y G E R M A N
U- B O A T S M A N Y Y E A R S L A T E R improvements in their
Hunley sank itself in the AGAIN ANGERED THE AMERICAN
submarines by studying
process. (In 2000 the Hunley P U B L I C A N D H E L P E D L E A D T H E
the much more reliable
was raised from the bottom U.S. I N T O W O R L D W A R II
AGAINST GERMANY AND JAPAN. German subs.
of Charleston Harbor for t
repair and museum display.) Survivors of a German U-Boat attack in
April, 1918, are rescued by a passing ship.
24 25
 Early history The first somewhat reliable American
submarine was the invention of John Holland. It
could travel 6 knots (7 miles, 11 kilometers) per
The possibility of undersea travel captured
hour under water. Named the USS Holland, it
imaginations long before it became a reality. A
was added to the Navy fleet in 1900.
Dutch scientist in 1620 managed to submerge
But in the next few years, Germany led the
a rowboat covered with waterproof hides—
way in submarine development. Germany’s
without killing himself.
Unterseeboote, or U-boats, became a deadly
American David Bushnell designed the
menace to surface
Turtle, a one-man submersible. The Turtle
ships as World War I
attempted to sink a British warship in New
(1914-1918) unfolded.
York Harbor in 1776, but this first known
After America’s entry
attack by submarine failed.
into the war in 1917,
During the Civil War FACT FILE H
U.S. submarines were
(1861-1865), another one- A GERMAN SUBMARINE used largely to patrol
man submersible, the TORPEDOED THE BRITISH OCEAN
American coasts. After
FOUR

L I N E R L U S I TA N I A I N M A Y, 1915.
Confederate Hunley,
A M O N G T H E 1,201 P A S S E N G E R S the war, American
succeeded in sinking the K I L L E D W E R E 128 A M E R I C A N S .
designers made
Union Housatonic. But the S I M I L A R A T T A C K S B Y G E R M A N
U- B O A T S M A N Y Y E A R S L A T E R improvements in their
Hunley sank itself in the AGAIN ANGERED THE AMERICAN
submarines by studying
process. (In 2000 the Hunley P U B L I C A N D H E L P E D L E A D T H E
the much more reliable
was raised from the bottom U.S. I N T O W O R L D W A R II
AGAINST GERMANY AND JAPAN. German subs.
of Charleston Harbor for t
repair and museum display.) Survivors of a German U-Boat attack in
April, 1918, are rescued by a passing ship.
24 25
 World War II Submarines also carried World War II raiders
(similar to the Special Forces of today) FACT FILE H
to enemy shores, laid mines, and O N A U G U S T 6, 1945,USS
America’s undersea war was fought rescued downed flyers and shipwreck B U L L H E A D , W I T H 84 M E N
largely against the Japanese, and it was a survivors. Fifty-two American subs ABOARD, BECAME THE LAST
A M E R I C A N S U B M A R I N E LO S T I N
major success. American subs sank over 30 were lost along with 3,506 W O R L D W A R II. S H E W A S
percent of the Japanese Navy and over half submariners, all of them—then, as P R O B A B LY S T R U C K B Y D E P T H

of its merchant ships, a total of 1,314 now—volunteers.

CHARGES DROPPED FROM A
JAPANESE PLANE.
military and
merchant ships,
including 8
Japanese aircraft
carriers and almost
5 million tons (4.6
million metric tons)
of shipping.
FIVE

s
The USS Robalo is shown at her launching on May 9, 1943,
s into Lake Michigan. A little more than a year later, on patrol
An officer of a World War II submarine in the Pacific, the Robalo disappeared, possibly the victim of
steadies the periscope in 1942. a mine.

26 27
 World War II Submarines also carried World War II raiders
(similar to the Special Forces of today) FACT FILE H
to enemy shores, laid mines, and O N A U G U S T 6, 1945,USS
America’s undersea war was fought rescued downed flyers and shipwreck B U L L H E A D , W I T H 84 M E N
largely against the Japanese, and it was a survivors. Fifty-two American subs ABOARD, BECAME THE LAST
A M E R I C A N S U B M A R I N E LO S T I N
major success. American subs sank over 30 were lost along with 3,506 W O R L D W A R II. S H E W A S
percent of the Japanese Navy and over half submariners, all of them—then, as P R O B A B LY S T R U C K B Y D E P T H

of its merchant ships, a total of 1,314 now—volunteers.

CHARGES DROPPED FROM A
JAPANESE PLANE.
military and
merchant ships,
including 8
Japanese aircraft
carriers and almost
5 million tons (4.6
million metric tons)
of shipping.
FIVE

s
The USS Robalo is shown at her launching on May 9, 1943,
s into Lake Michigan. A little more than a year later, on patrol
An officer of a World War II submarine in the Pacific, the Robalo disappeared, possibly the victim of
steadies the periscope in 1942. a mine.

26 27
 After World The Future of
War II Submarines
The Nautilus, launched in 1954, was Submarine technology changes quickly. Ships
revolutionary. As the first nuclear-powered already under construction cannot always
submarine, it broke all existing speed and accommodate the new technology. But the Navy
endurance records for submarines. plans to build its newest Virginia-class
In the late 1950s the U.S. Navy developed submarines with a modular design that will
the first ballistic missile submarines. By 1981, permit easier replacement of outdated
the United States had launched the first of the equipment and systems.
big (560-foot, 171-meter), Trident-carrying Meanwhile, depending upon the relations
Ohio-class submarines. between the United States and other nations,
American attack submarines fired cruise the total attack submarine force will gradually
missiles at targets in Iraq and in Serbia during shrink, perhaps to as few as 37. American
conflicts in the 1990s. submarines of the future may rely on smaller
crews and even

SEVEN
SIX

unmanned ships. As
always, the Navy will
emphasize technology
and sea warfare
superiority over
numbers of ships.
s
s An artist’s head-on view shows the newest
The USS Albacore, shown here in
of the U.S. Navy’s fast attack Virginia-class
1954, introduced the revolutionary
28 submarines in its undersea environment. 29
teardrop submarine shape.
 After World The Future of
War II Submarines
The Nautilus, launched in 1954, was Submarine technology changes quickly. Ships
revolutionary. As the first nuclear-powered already under construction cannot always
submarine, it broke all existing speed and accommodate the new technology. But the Navy
endurance records for submarines. plans to build its newest Virginia-class
In the late 1950s the U.S. Navy developed submarines with a modular design that will
the first ballistic missile submarines. By 1981, permit easier replacement of outdated
the United States had launched the first of the equipment and systems.
big (560-foot, 171-meter), Trident-carrying Meanwhile, depending upon the relations
Ohio-class submarines. between the United States and other nations,
American attack submarines fired cruise the total attack submarine force will gradually
missiles at targets in Iraq and in Serbia during shrink, perhaps to as few as 37. American
conflicts in the 1990s. submarines of the future may rely on smaller
crews and even

SEVEN
SIX

unmanned ships. As
always, the Navy will
emphasize technology
and sea warfare
superiority over
numbers of ships.
s
s An artist’s head-on view shows the newest
The USS Albacore, shown here in
of the U.S. Navy’s fast attack Virginia-class
1954, introduced the revolutionary
28 submarines in its undersea environment. 29
teardrop submarine shape.
 Glossary

bow (BAU) — the front part of a ship periscopes (PAIR uh SCOPZ) — tube-like
class (KLAS) — a group of ships manufactured to the apparatuses that rise from a submarine
same, or very similar, specifications, such as the conning tower and allow a submerged
Seawolf class of American submarines submarine crew to view the ocean surface
commissioned (kuh MISH und) — to have officially retaliatory (ruh TAL yuh TOR ee) — striking back
been placed into service by the U.S. Navy at someone or something after first being struck
deterrents (duh TUR untz) — things that act as sonar (SOH NAR) — a system in which the echoes
reasons not to do something of controlled sound waves are used to measure
distances and shapes undersea
hull (HUL) — the main frame and body of a ship
stern (STURN) — the rear part of a ship
lethal (LEE thul) — deadly
submersible (sub MUR suh bul) — a vessel such
mines (MYNZ) — explosive devices planted on or near
as a submarine, that can sail underwater
the ocean surface and triggered when struck by a
ship unterseeboote (OON tur zay BOT uh) — the
name for German submarines, first used in
nuclear (NYU klee ur) — providing atomic energy in a
World War I
controlled, but powerful way

30 31
 Glossary

bow (BAU) — the front part of a ship periscopes (PAIR uh SCOPZ) — tube-like
class (KLAS) — a group of ships manufactured to the apparatuses that rise from a submarine
same, or very similar, specifications, such as the conning tower and allow a submerged
Seawolf class of American submarines submarine crew to view the ocean surface
commissioned (kuh MISH und) — to have officially retaliatory (ruh TAL yuh TOR ee) — striking back
been placed into service by the U.S. Navy at someone or something after first being struck
deterrents (duh TUR untz) — things that act as sonar (SOH NAR) — a system in which the echoes
reasons not to do something of controlled sound waves are used to measure
distances and shapes undersea
hull (HUL) — the main frame and body of a ship
stern (STURN) — the rear part of a ship
lethal (LEE thul) — deadly
submersible (sub MUR suh bul) — a vessel such
mines (MYNZ) — explosive devices planted on or near
as a submarine, that can sail underwater
the ocean surface and triggered when struck by a
ship unterseeboote (OON tur zay BOT uh) — the
name for German submarines, first used in
nuclear (NYU klee ur) — providing atomic energy in a
World War I
controlled, but powerful way

30 31
 index
attack submarines 17, nuclear energy 23
18, 19, 28 Ohio class 12, 14, 16,
ballast tanks 7 28
ballistic missile submarines periscopes 17, 22
14, 28 Seawolf class 13, 18
crews 4, 9, 29 Special Forces 16
guided missile submarines submarines 11, 27
16 USS Nautilus 20, 28
Holland, John 25 Virginia class 13, 19, 29
hull 7, 14, 22 World War I 25
Hunley 24 World War II 26, 27
Los Angeles class 12, 17
missiles 14, 16, 17

further reading
Green, Michael and Gladys. Attack Submarines: The
Seawolf Class. Edge Books, 2004
Mallard, Neil. Submarine. DK Books, 2003
Payan, Gregory. Life on a Submarine. Scholastic, 2000
Woodford, Chris. Ships and Submarines. Facts on File,
2004
websites to visit
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
about the author
Lynn M. Stone is the author and photographer of many children’s
books. Lynn is a former teacher who travels worldwide to pursue
his varied interests.
32