The modern nuclear-powered submarine is the only naval platform that combines stealth, endurance and agility into a single vehicle. America's nuclear-powered submarines provide early and accurate knowledge of the battlefield where power might be projected from the sea. They can project covert, precise and lethal striking power against enemy targets ashore and are critical war fighting elements that help establish naval expeditionary forces on land. America's nuclear-powered submarines also possess the maritime strength to destroy an adversary's naval forces and interdict their sea borne commerce. Because of their stealth abilities, submarines are an excellent means of deploying forces into a potential crisis area without overt commitment and with minimal risk to U.S. lives.
Submarines are among the most complex structures built by man.
They must operate in the ocean depths, where the ambient pressure at 400 feet, for example, is more than 175 pounds per square inch. They must be able to attain high speeds and operate slowly and silently. Submarines have advanced sensors and weapons, and are able to operate with a sealed atmosphere for months at a time. This page is maintained by the Public Affairs Office, Naval Submarine Base, Kings Bay, Georgia.