A Deep Dive Into The Undersea Life of a Submarine Crew

Submarines remain one of the most mysterious locations on the planet, accessible to only a select few. This article provides a rare look into life inside these underwater crafts, a world mostly hidden from the public eye.

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 is far from straightforward. Just like sailors on surface ships, submariners contend with confined spaces, cramped living conditions, and limited food options. But unlike traditional vessels, submarines lack natural light, and amenities like gyms are designed to reduce noise and minimize the chance of being detected by other ships.

Despite these challenges, life on a submarine fosters strong bonds among crew members, leading to lasting friendships. Spending months in such close quarters naturally promotes camaraderie and teamwork, which are essential for fulfilling their mission.

There are also less-known aspects of submarine life that civilians might not be aware of. The most important difference from life on the surface is the rigorous adherence to schedules that maintain smooth operations. This includes rotating through three six-hour shifts : six hours on duty, six hours of downtime, and six hours strictly set aside for sleep.

Dealing with deadly weapons onboard the vessel

Maintaining weaponry is a key responsibility for sailors serving aboard submarines. While these vessels often carry out patrols and reconnaissance missions, their missile armaments have a clear purpose. To ensure readiness for immediate deployment, the crew must carefully maintain both the weapons and other equipment.

The US Navy intends to expand its fleet by adding up to three new Virginia -class fast-attack submarines annually until 2043. However, some officials, like former US Submarine Forces Commander Vice Adm. Michael Connor, argue that this number is not big enough, suggesting the need for 66 additional submarines to meet the rising demand for underwater military capabilities.

Additionally, the Navy plans to replace its Ohio -class submarines with the newly designed Columbia -class, with the first vessel expected to enter service around 2031.

Submarines play a critical role in deep-sea rescue

Beyond their military capabilities, submarines are also perfect for assisting in deep-sea rescue missions, as well as deep-sea research to help scientists uncover the mysteries hidden in the darkest depths of the ocean.

To assist in rescue missions, submarines deploy deep-submergence rescue vehicles (DSRVs). The DSRVs that are employed by the US Navy can rescue up to 24 people at a time from depths of up to 600 meters, with a maximum operation depth of 1,500 meters.

These vehicles can be loaded into a "MOSUB," or mother submarine, which carriers them to rescue sites. While the majority of submarines equipped to carry DSRVs belong to the US military, a number of NATO-member countries have also made it so their own submarines can carry the vehicles, including those deployed by the British and French navies.

Life inside a submarine means dealing with navigational challenges

Submarines are surprisingly easy to navigate, even though whoever is driving the vessel is technically doing so "blind." Instead of seeing a visual landscape, submarines use sonar technology to track where potential obstacles are in the water. An inertial navigation system (INS) measures the vessel's motion and constantly updates its position.

Radio or GPS signals are unable to penetrate the water, which hinders navigation, but ensures the vessel remains "invisible" to potential enemies. The INS uses measurements provided by accelerometers and gyroscopes to track the position of an object in relation to how far away it is or how fast it's moving.

Perhaps the most iconic instrument onboard a submarine is the periscope. This device allows crew members to get a glimpse of what's happening above the water's surface, while still remaining hidden beneath the waves. Some periscopes can be as long as 60 feet !

Has much has changed over the years?

Looking back at older submarines and comparing them to today, it's surprising how similar modern ones are to their ancestors, especially those deployed during World War I and II . While they were slower and couldn't stay submerged for as long as those around today, they provided much-needed support and reconnaissance when at sea.

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The greatest post-war advancement in submarine technology was the advent of the nuclear submarine in 1954. Unlike their ancestors, which ran on diesel fuel, these nuclear-powered vessels were the first to become "true submarines," as their technology allowed them to operate underwater for indefinite periods of time.