The recent sinking of the Russian submarine Kursk is a sobering reminder of the challenges of undersea warfare. Not only do submarines have to deal with enemy ships harboring potentially antagonistic intentions, they must also operate in a hostile environment that shows no mercy.
Every submariner knows the dangers of operating under the ocean surface.
A submarine is a warship, filled with potentially deadly equipment and weapons. After all, the purpose of a warship is to destroy the enemy, while at the same time remaining alive to fight another day. Submariners are highly trained in the safe operation of the dangerous equipment with which they share their living quarters. Men who go to sea in submarines place a great deal of trust in their equipment and in their shipmates. These sailors also place a good deal of trust in the political and military leadership to look after their best interests while they patrol.