Intro
Explore the US Navys submarine fleet with our comprehensive guide to US Navy submarine classes. Learn about the different types of submarines, including attack subs, ballistic missile subs, and cruise missile subs, as well as their capabilities, roles, and histories, from the early Los Angeles-class to the latest Virginia-class and Columbia-class subs.
The United States Navy has a long history of operating submarines, with the first commissioned submarine, USS Alligator, dating back to 1862. Over the years, the Navy has developed and operated numerous submarine classes, each with its own unique characteristics, capabilities, and missions. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to the US Navy submarine classes, highlighting their design, features, and operational history.
Early Submarine Classes (1900-1945)
The early submarine classes of the US Navy were primarily used for coastal defense and reconnaissance missions. Some notable classes from this period include:
- A-class submarines: The first submarines commissioned by the US Navy, these boats were small, with a displacement of around 100 tons and a crew of 15.
- E-class submarines: Larger than the A-class, these submarines had a displacement of around 400 tons and were used for coastal defense and reconnaissance.
- R-class submarines: Introduced during World War I, these submarines had a displacement of around 500 tons and were used for anti-submarine warfare and reconnaissance.
World War II Submarine Classes
During World War II, the US Navy operated several submarine classes that played a crucial role in the war in the Pacific. Some notable classes from this period include:
- Gato-class submarines: These submarines were the primary attack submarines of the US Navy during World War II, with a displacement of around 1,500 tons and a crew of 60.
- Balao-class submarines: Similar to the Gato-class, these submarines were also used for attack missions and had a displacement of around 1,500 tons.
- Tench-class submarines: Introduced towards the end of the war, these submarines had a displacement of around 1,600 tons and were used for attack and reconnaissance missions.
Cold War Submarine Classes (1945-1991)
During the Cold War, the US Navy developed and operated several submarine classes that were designed to counter the Soviet Union's naval capabilities. Some notable classes from this period include:
- Nautilus-class submarines: The first nuclear-powered submarines in the world, these boats had a displacement of around 3,500 tons and were used for attack and reconnaissance missions.
- Skate-class submarines: Also nuclear-powered, these submarines had a displacement of around 2,500 tons and were used for attack and reconnaissance missions.
- Thresher-class submarines: Introduced in the 1960s, these submarines had a displacement of around 3,700 tons and were used for attack and reconnaissance missions.
- Sturgeon-class submarines: Also introduced in the 1960s, these submarines had a displacement of around 4,000 tons and were used for attack and reconnaissance missions.
Ballistic Missile Submarines
During the Cold War, the US Navy also developed and operated ballistic missile submarines, which were designed to provide a nuclear deterrent capability. Some notable classes from this period include:
- George Washington-class submarines: The first ballistic missile submarines in the world, these boats had a displacement of around 6,000 tons and were equipped with Polaris missiles.
- Ethan Allen-class submarines: Similar to the George Washington-class, these submarines had a displacement of around 6,000 tons and were equipped with Polaris missiles.
- Lafayette-class submarines: Introduced in the 1960s, these submarines had a displacement of around 7,000 tons and were equipped with Poseidon missiles.
- Ohio-class submarines: The current ballistic missile submarines of the US Navy, these boats have a displacement of around 18,000 tons and are equipped with Trident missiles.
Modern Submarine Classes (1991-present)
In the post-Cold War era, the US Navy has developed and operated several submarine classes that are designed to meet the changing threats and requirements of the 21st century. Some notable classes from this period include:
- Seawolf-class submarines: Introduced in the 1990s, these submarines had a displacement of around 9,000 tons and were designed for attack and reconnaissance missions.
- Virginia-class submarines: The current attack submarines of the US Navy, these boats have a displacement of around 7,800 tons and are designed for a variety of missions, including attack, reconnaissance, and special operations.
- Columbia-class submarines: The future ballistic missile submarines of the US Navy, these boats will have a displacement of around 20,000 tons and will be equipped with Trident missiles.
Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs)
In addition to manned submarines, the US Navy is also developing and operating unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), which are designed to provide a range of capabilities, including reconnaissance, surveillance, and mine countermeasures.
Gallery of US Navy Submarine Classes
US Navy Submarine Classes Image Gallery
In conclusion, the US Navy has a long and storied history of operating submarines, with numerous classes developed and operated over the years. From the early A-class submarines to the modern Virginia-class and Columbia-class submarines, each class has played a crucial role in the Navy's mission to defend the United States and its interests. We hope this comprehensive guide has provided you with a better understanding of the US Navy submarine classes and their importance in the world of naval warfare.
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