Here’s What Daily Life Is Really Like, Living On A Submarine

Those who have ever dreamed about a deep-sea voyage are in for a treat. Not only are submarines one of the most versatile underwater vehicles, but people actually live in them. From bathroom rules, sleeping arrangements, and daily physical activity, here are the most surprising aspects of living aboard a submarine.

It's Either Boring Or Very Dangerous

a submarine partially submerged in the ocean
David Nagle/U.S. Navy/Getty Images
David Nagle/U.S. Navy/Getty Images

It takes a certain kind of person to spend their life on a submarine. While most of the time it will be incredibly boring and monotonous, things can turn at the drop of a hat.

The sailors who live on submarines need to be ready for danger at any moment, which is why they go through intense training before climbing aboard.

ADVERTISEMENT

They Operate At Six-Hour Intervals

ADVERTISEMENT
soldier working on a submarine
Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images
Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Those who choose to live and work on a submarine need to get used to the strict rules aboard. One guideline all sailors must follow is the six-hour segment routine.

ADVERTISEMENT

They live their lives in three six-hour increments. First, they get six hours for sleeping. Next, they must spend six hours on watch. Finally, they get six hours of free time.

ADVERTISEMENT

They Have To Keep Oxygen Levels Low

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
submarine partially submerged in the ocean
Phil Mislinski/Getty Images
Phil Mislinski/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Submarines are required to keep their oxygen levels low due to safety concerns. However, that can lead to some dangerous side effects for people.

ADVERTISEMENT

Lower oxygen levels can make it difficult for people to recover from injuries, make the sailors more tired, and cause them to become angrier than usual.

ADVERTISEMENT

Checking For Leaks

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
a yellow submarine above the water
Government Liquidation, LLC/Getty Images
Government Liquidation, LLC/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

The sailors living aboard submarines need to be diligent, especially when it comes to leaks. Every time they come out of being completely submerged, they need to quickly check for leaks.

ADVERTISEMENT

Even a tiny leak can make all of the difference. Once they find any leaks, they need to patch them up in record time.

ADVERTISEMENT

Working Out On A Submarine

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
crew members working out at a gym on a submarine
Sergei Bobylev/Getty Images
Sergei Bobylev/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

While living on a submarine may make it seem difficult to get in a good day's workout, it's not impossible. Most submarines have gyms for the sailors to get their exercise.

ADVERTISEMENT

These gyms are usually pretty cramped but come with a decent amount of workout equipment such as weights and treadmills.

ADVERTISEMENT

Grooming Habits Are More Lenient

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Some of the crew have their beards trimmed in anticipation of shore leave
Golding/Fairfax Media via Getty Images
Golding/Fairfax Media via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Most sailors are told to keep specific grooming habits such as short haircuts and no facial hair. The rules are a bit more lenient on submarines.

ADVERTISEMENT

Since the sailors on submarines aren't interacting with the outside world too much, they can let their grooming habits slide. For example, the photo shows sailors getting groomed before arriving on land after a long voyage.

ADVERTISEMENT

What They Eat On Submarines

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
black and white photo of soldiers eating on a submarine
Hulton Archive/Getty Images
Hulton Archive/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Some may be wondering how sailors eat on a submarine. They usually have a crew aboard who is in charge of the cooking.

ADVERTISEMENT

Sailors are supposed to have three meals a day and food supply usually isn't resupplied for weeks or even months at a time. Their food isn't actually that bad with some common meals being pizza or fish.

ADVERTISEMENT

They Can't Keep Track Of Time

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
submarine partially submerged in the water
Charly Triballeau/AFP via Getty Images
Charly Triballeau/AFP via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

When a submarine is submerged under the water for long periods of time, it can be difficult to tell what time of day it really is. Sailors aren't able to see sunlight or moonlight.

ADVERTISEMENT

This causes the crew to lose track of time, which can mess with their circadian rhythms.

ADVERTISEMENT

Training To Live On A Submarine

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
An instructor signalling to a seaman at the bottom of a fifteen foot water tank
Hulton-Deutsch Collection/Getty Images
Hulton-Deutsch Collection/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Those who want to spend their lives on a submarine need to go through a lot of intense training beforehand.

ADVERTISEMENT

According to a former Navy crew member, "...for the first few months, you spend 10 hours a day studying non-stop before marching back and forth. They essentially cram four to six years of college-level information into a six-month period."

ADVERTISEMENT

Earning A Dolphin Pin

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
close up of a metal dolphin pin
Mike Goad/Flickr
Mike Goad/Flickr
ADVERTISEMENT

The sailors who train to live on submarine hope to secure the coveted Dolphin Pin. This distinguished honor signifies that the crew member knows the basic functions of the submarine and are able to use the submarine as a weapon.

ADVERTISEMENT

In order to earn the Dolphin Pin, sailors must complete a test run by their commanding officers.

ADVERTISEMENT

Looking For Directions

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
a naval officer navigating a submarine
Ludovic Marin/Getty Images
Ludovic Marin/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Going out into an endless sea can seem daunting. The crew members can't rely on regular maps, so they must navigate through something much more complicated.

ADVERTISEMENT

Submarines travel by complex electronic machines that provide detailed information on how to navigate the ocean. Everyone on the submarine has to rely on these machines to get them to their destination.

ADVERTISEMENT

Sleeping Habits Are Intense

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
a soldier getting ready to sleep on a submarine
Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images
Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Some crew members had strange experiences when it came to sleeping on a submarine. Since the oxygen levels are lower, it messes with their circadian rhythms.

ADVERTISEMENT

Also, the sailors learn to go into such a deep sleep that they can't hear someone having a loud conversation next to them. However, if they hear their name whispered, it wakes them up instantly.

ADVERTISEMENT

Sleeping Next To Something Dangerous

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
A sleeping sailor's hand hangs from a bunk bed in the missile room
Sandy Huffaker/Getty Images
Sandy Huffaker/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Sleeping on a submarine is already cramped enough, but it gets even less spacious when the sailors are forced to share their bedroom with dangerous weapons.

ADVERTISEMENT

Their bedroom is also referred to as the missile room because it is loaded with weapons such as ballistic missiles, torpedoes, and nuclear warheads.

ADVERTISEMENT

They Share Beds

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
sleeping quarters aboard a submarine
Glyn Kirk/AFP via Getty Images
Glyn Kirk/AFP via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Sleeping on a submarine is one of the most challenging things the crew members do. Not only are their sleeping quarters limited, but there usually aren't enough beds for everyone.

ADVERTISEMENT

The racks typically have two or three beds on top of each other, but sailors will often have to wake up a sleeping comrade to trade places after a shift.

ADVERTISEMENT

Never Steal On A Submarine

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
a submarine partially submerged in the water
Sebastian D'Souza/Getty Images
Sebastian D'Souza/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

It's important that the people aboard a submarine are able to trust one another. This trust can go out the window if people start stealing from each other.

ADVERTISEMENT

Those who are caught stealing will have to deal with some dire consequences. The perpetrators will get kicked off the submarine and dropped off at the next port, get demoted, and drop in rank.

ADVERTISEMENT

They Form Incredible Bonds

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
soldiers working on a submarine
Friends of the Hunley via Getty Images
Friends of the Hunley via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Going away for months or years at a time means that sailors are bound to get close to one another.

ADVERTISEMENT

The crew members are going to become one big family, so they form a tight bond. This allows them to work together as a team and distracts them from any homesickness.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Eerie Nickname For Submarine Beds

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
b87c75a5cd7d77984396e00092b6a880
Pinterest
Pinterest
ADVERTISEMENT

Only those who are brave enough will be able to withstand a submarine journey. One thing that may scare some potential voyagers off is the nickname for submarine beds.

ADVERTISEMENT

These are usually referred to as coffins because of their small size and that the beds are practically stacked on top of each other.

ADVERTISEMENT

Gathering In The Mess Hall

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
soldiers aboard a submarine
OC Navy League/Pinterest
OC Navy League/Pinterest
ADVERTISEMENT

Living on a submarine shouldn't be all work and no play. The crew members are allotted at least six hours a day for their free time.

ADVERTISEMENT

Most sailors will spend this time in the mess hall. They go there to gather with their peers, eat, read, watch television, or play games.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Usual Timeline For A Submarine Trip

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
a submarine coming out of the water
Casus Belli Podcast/Twitter
Casus Belli Podcast/Twitter
ADVERTISEMENT

Those who want to look into joining the team on a submarine should know how long a typical trip lasts. Working on a submarine is a huge commitment.

ADVERTISEMENT

The shortest trips usually go for no less than 90 days, but they will probably go a lot longer. Most trips are close to six months.

ADVERTISEMENT

Bathroom Space Is Extremely Limited

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
a toilet inside a submarine bathroom
Yasuyoshi Chiba/AFP via Getty Images
Yasuyoshi Chiba/AFP via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Everything is extremely cramped inside a submarine, especially when it comes to bathrooms. Submarines have to fit large machinery, so they leave little room for other necessities.

ADVERTISEMENT

While it may seem hard for just one sailor to deal with this, they must share these small quarters with the rest of the crew members.

ADVERTISEMENT

Be Careful With What You Pack

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
a crew worker walking through a submarine
Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images
Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Before arriving for a submarine journey, sailors are prepped on how much space will be available to them. Crews are usually made up of over 100 people, so there isn't much breathing room.

ADVERTISEMENT

This is why crew members are told not to overpack because there most likely won't be room for all of their belongings.

ADVERTISEMENT

Say Goodbye To The Outside World

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
soldier looking through a parascope on a submarine
Sandy Huffaker/Getty Images
Sandy Huffaker/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Those who are wanting to lose contact with the outside world for a while are in luck while on a submarine.

ADVERTISEMENT

Submarines travel in the middle of the ocean, so they hardly ever come into contact with anyone else. However, submarines do have the capability of showing their location, but they don't usually do this for safety concerns.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Passageways Are Very Narrow

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
An officer walks in a corridor of French nuclear submarine
Martin Bureau/AFP via Getty Images
Martin Bureau/AFP via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Living on a submarine means crew members need to get used to not having much of their own space. This is evident in all parts of the vessel, including the passageways.

ADVERTISEMENT

Submarine passageways are so narrow that only one person can walk through them at a time. Two people can't even pass each other going two separate directions.

ADVERTISEMENT

No Room For Showers

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
submarine coming out of the water
BAE Systems via Getty Images
BAE Systems via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Those who choose a life on a submarine need to get used to small spaces. Not only are the bathrooms tiny, but there is even less space for showers.

ADVERTISEMENT

There is barely enough room for people to stand in the showers, so they need to learn how to navigate the space they are given.

ADVERTISEMENT

Find Some Space In The Kitchen

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
chefs preparing food on a submarine kitchen
James Glossop/AFP via Getty Images
James Glossop/AFP via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

While places such as the bathroom, bedroom, and passageways are very cramped on a submarine, there are other rooms with more space.

ADVERTISEMENT

The submarine kitchens are actually pretty spacious because they need to keep a large supply of food. The chefs also need a decent amount of room to cook.

ADVERTISEMENT

Everything To Know About Watch Duties

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
A sea cadet peers through the periscope of the submarine
Derek Berwin/Fox Photos/Getty Images
Derek Berwin/Fox Photos/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Watch duties are one of the most important tasks aboard a submarine. Each crew member must devote at least six hours a day for their watch.

ADVERTISEMENT

The time and place of watch duty depend on the sailor's rank and training. The higher the rank, the more responsibility they will have.

ADVERTISEMENT

What Crew Members Do For Fun

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
a man aboard a submarine
Hauke-Christian Dittrich/picture alliance via Getty Images
Hauke-Christian Dittrich/picture alliance via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Being stuck on a submarine may seem a little claustrophobic, but the crew members learn how to keep themselves occupied.

ADVERTISEMENT

In order to add balance to their life at sea, the sailors on the submarine usually do things found in typical recreation rooms. These activities include cards, board games, and watching movies.

ADVERTISEMENT

Turning The Lights Off

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
crew members smiling in a submarine
Ozan Kose/AFP via Getty Images
Ozan Kose/AFP via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

When crew members start a submarine trip, they have to check for leaks and complete initial tasks. When this is done, they turn off all the lights in the submarine.

ADVERTISEMENT

The lights are turned off to give the crew members some extra sleep before they get started on more intense work for their journey.

ADVERTISEMENT

Submarines Have To Travel A Certain Way

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
a submarine gliding through the ocean
Pois Yuri Ramsey/Australian Defence Force via Getty Images
Pois Yuri Ramsey/Australian Defence Force via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Submarines have to ascend and descend at a certain angle in order to function properly. All submarines need to do this at a 45-degree angle.

ADVERTISEMENT

The submarine does this on its own, which causes a little discomfort for the crew. This basically looks like people leaning on the floor to keep themselves upright.

ADVERTISEMENT

US Submarines Can Go Anywhere

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
crew workers on a united states submarine
Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images
Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

There are submarines all over the world, but the United States is one of the few countries that can travel anywhere they want without being detected.

ADVERTISEMENT

American submarines are able to do this because they have long strike capabilities that are more powerful than the rest of the entire world.

ADVERTISEMENT

USS Independence (LCS-2)

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
USS-Independence-LCS-2-98128091-65732
Nicholas Kontodiakos/U.S. Navy via Getty Images
Nicholas Kontodiakos/U.S. Navy via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

The USS Independence LCS-2 has been a part of the U.S. Navy fleet since 2009. This combat ship is equipped to find and destroy mines, hunt down submarines, and engage in battle with small boats.

ADVERTISEMENT

The USS Independence has a large flight deck, hangar, and mission bay. The ship carries AGM-114L Hellfire missiles, BAE Systems Mk 110 57 mm gun, .50 cal (12.7 mm) guns, and Raytheon SeaRAM CIWS. The USS Independence resides in her homeport Naval Base in San Diego, assigned to the Littoral Combat Ship Squadron One.

ADVERTISEMENT

USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78)

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
USS-Gerald-Ford-666295426-44517
Chief Mass Communication Specialist Christopher Delano/U.S. Navy via Getty Images
Chief Mass Communication Specialist Christopher Delano/U.S. Navy via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

The USS Gerald R. Ford is expected to leave on her first deployment around 2022. This efficient ship joined the U.S. Navy fleet in 2017 and is the world's largest aircraft carrier. The Gerald R. Ford is equipped with state-of-the-art radar technology, including an AN/SPY-3 and AN/SPY-4.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Gerald R. Ford also features Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System that has the ability to launch 25% more aircraft per day than the Nimitz class, and requires 24% fewer crew members, saving the Navy an estimated $4 billion in operating costs over 50 years. This ship is stacked with surface-to-air missiles, RIM-162 ESSM launchers and M2.50 Cal. (12.7 mm) machine guns.

ADVERTISEMENT

USS Emory S. Land (AS-39)

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
USS-Emory-S-Land-966666796-90950
Chris Riley/Times-Herald
Chris Riley/Times-Herald
ADVERTISEMENT

The purpose and design of the USS Emory S. Land (AS-39) is to tend to US Navy submarines that need supplies and equipment repair. This ship is basically a floating city, with 53 specialized shops onboard for food, electricity, water, medical, dental, legal services, as well as plenty of parts and equipment.

ADVERTISEMENT

This ship has received numerous awards for her service, including eight Battle Efficiency Awards, four Meritorious Unit Commendations, the Navy Expeditionary Medal, and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. When the USS Emory S. Land isn't deployed, she's at her homeport in Apra Harbor, Guam.

ADVERTISEMENT

The US Navy Is Contemplating The Ghost Boat

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
juliet-marine-ghost-boat.jpg-37141
Instagram/jimevans2010
Instagram/jimevans2010
ADVERTISEMENT

Gregory Sancroff, the CEO of Juliet Marine Systems designed the Ghost boat with hopes that the U.S. Navy will buy it from the company. The boat is designed to answer back if a large fleet of fast, small attack boats were to target the U.S. Navy in an area like the Middle East.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Ghost is designed to minimize drag for quicker speed and is able to carry a variety of weapons to engage in an attack. The Navy doesn't have plans to purchase the Ghost yet -- Sancroff decided to build the boat in anticipation of the U.S. military needing this type of boat in the near future, after the 2000 attack on the USS Cole in Yemen.

ADVERTISEMENT

Seawolf-class Attack Submarine SSN

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Seawolf-attack-submarine-957005780-80202
Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images
Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Seawolf class submarines cost a reported $3 billion to build, designed to combat advanced Soviet ballistic missile submarines. The U.S. Navy had originally planned on building 29 units, but after the Cold War ended, they reduced the attack submarine budget dramatically, and only three were built.

ADVERTISEMENT

Seawolf submarines stand apart from the rest, as they are larger, faster, and quieter than the Los Angeles-class submarines.They are also equipped to carry twice as many torpedo tubes and plenty more weapons, including 50 Tomahawk land attack missiles and eight torpedo tubes. Submerged, this sub can carry 9,138 tons with a speed of 35 knots.

ADVERTISEMENT

USS America (LHA-6)

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
USS-America-454143466-36770
FRANCESCO DEGASPERI/AFP/Getty Images
FRANCESCO DEGASPERI/AFP/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

The USS America (LHA-6) was delivered to the U.S. Navy in 2014, replacing the Peleliu. This ship carries part of a Marine expeditionary unit, with a mission to carry the unit into battle and then bring them back to shore. The USS America has carried the AV-8B Harrier II, MV-22B Osprey, F-35B Lightning II, CH-53K Super Stallion, UH-1Y Venom, AH-1Z Viper, and MH-60S Knighthawk.

ADVERTISEMENT

So far, the ship has conducted joint exercises with regional allies that include Colombia, Brazil, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay, Chile, and Peru. These exercises improve security and communications operations, as well as mission planning activities and medical asset coordination.

ADVERTISEMENT

USS Enterprise (CVN-65)

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
uss-enterprise-637687586-91899
Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images
Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

The USS Enterprise (CVN-65) was decommissioned in February of 2017, and although it wasn't perfect, deserves a place on this list. The design of this ship was changed due to budget cuts, leaving out the intended RIM-2 Terrier missile launchers. However, this ship has played an important role for the U.S. Navy and is the longest naval vessel ever built, at 1,123 feet.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Enterprise was dispatched to assist in creating a blockade during the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis and has also deployed to the Mediterranean and Vietnam. The ship also participated in one of the largest shows of force around North Korea after they shot down an American Lockheed EC-121 Warning Star that was on patrol.

ADVERTISEMENT

USS Midway (CV-41)

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
uss-midway-2847487-59255
U.S. Navy Photo by David Levy/Getty Images
U.S. Navy Photo by David Levy/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

The USS Midway (CV-41) served as the Persian Gulf flagship in Operation Desert Storm in 1991, played an active role in the Vietnam War, and was once the largest ship in the world. The USS Midway was commissioned a week after the end of World War II and was decommissioned in April of 1992.

ADVERTISEMENT

Commissioned in 1945, the Midway made the first MIG kills in the Vietnam War, and led the last air-to-air victory of the conflict. Today the ship acts as a museum at its final resting place at Navy pier in San Diego.

ADVERTISEMENT

USS Kidd (DDG-100)

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
USS-Kidd-615296216-47128
CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images
CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Pictured here is the USS Kidd (DDG-993) but it's the ship's successor, the USS Kidd (DDG-100) that makes the list of most powerful U.S. Navy ships. This is the third USS Kidd, named after Rear admiral Isaac C. Kidd, who was aboard the Arizona when the attack on Pearl Harbor occurred.

ADVERTISEMENT

Part of the Destroyer Squadron 9 of Carrier Strike Group 3, the ship is equipped with Tomahawk missiles and anti-submarine weaponry. The USS Kidd was apart of the search for the Malaysia Airlines Flight 370. When not deployed, the ship is located at Naval Station Everett, 25 miles north of Seattle.

ADVERTISEMENT

USS Harpers Ferry (LSD-49)

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
uss-harpers-ferry-2492525-60845
David Greedy/Getty Images
David Greedy/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

Based in San Diego, California, USS Harpers Ferry (LSD-49) is the lead ship of her class of landing ship dock for the U.S. Navy. The ship has support humanitarian efforts in the Pangasinan province of the Philippines, disaster relief after the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, and in the recovery efforts of the sunken Republic of Korea Navy ship ROKS Cheonan.

ADVERTISEMENT

The USS Harpers Ferry can reach over 20 knots and can house 22 officers and 397 enlisted men. It's armed with two 25 mm Mk 38 rapid-fire cannons, two 20 mm Phalanx CIWS mounts, two Rolling Airframe Missile launchers, and six 0.5 in M2HB machine guns.

ADVERTISEMENT

USS Arleigh Burke (DDG-51)

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
USS-Arleigh-Burke-615292166-81023
CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images
CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

The USS Arleigh Burke (DDG-51) is a guided missile destroyer at the top of its class. The vessel is equipped with stealth technology for evading anti-ship missiles and a downgraded version of the Aegis combat system which simultaneously launches, tracks and evades missiles.

ADVERTISEMENT

The exterior of the ship is made entirely of steel for superior protection and durability. The Collective Protection System makes it safe for the ship to enter environments that are contaminated by chemicals or radiological material. In 2003, the ship fired Tomahawk missile strikes against targets in Iraq and in 2014 it fired Tomahawk missiles on targets in Syria during the military intervention against ISIS.

ADVERTISEMENT

USS Ohio (SSGN-726)

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
USS-Ohio-56703172-63323
Dave Fliesen/U.S. Navy via Getty Images
Dave Fliesen/U.S. Navy via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

The USS Ohio (SSGN-726) is at the top of her class of nuclear-powered missile submarines. In 2002, there were plans to retire the submarine, but instead, the U.S. Navy decided to modify the USS Ohio and her sister submarines to SSGNs, conventional missile submarines.

ADVERTISEMENT

In each of its 22 torpedo tubes, this sub carries seven Tomahawk missiles. When the submarine was delivered to the U.S. Navy in October 1981, Admiral Hyman G. Rickover commented that the Ohio should, "strike fear in the hearts of our enemies." This sub can travel a reported 25 knots submerged and go 60 days without requiring further food or supplies.

ADVERTISEMENT

USS Wasp (LHD-1)

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
uss-wasp-539539832-94488
Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images
Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

The USS Wasp (LDH-1) is a U.S. Navy amphibious assault ship, and the tenth ship to carry the name. This ship can manage any of the Navy or Marine Corps helicopters and is able to perform some of the most complex military maneuvers.

ADVERTISEMENT

Its well dock spans 12,000 square-feet with two aircraft elevators for the hangar bay and flight deck. The USS Wasp holds 1,075 crew members and 2,200 embarked troops, and has provided medical assistance to 600 causalities. This ship is ready to go with the ability to hold six AV-8B Harrier II attack aircraft or six F-35B Lightning II stealth strike-fighters. It can carry 12 MV-22B Osprey assault support tiltrotor and 4 CH-53E Super Stallion heavy-life helicopters.

ADVERTISEMENT

USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77)

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
uss-george-h-w-bush-168739568-36692
Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kevin J. Steinberg//U.S. Navy via Getty Images
Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kevin J. Steinberg//U.S. Navy via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

The USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77) is a super-carrier, named after the 41st President of the United States who was a naval aviator during World War II. The super-carrier is armed with three Phalanx close-in weapon systems, two Mk 29 ESSM launchers, and two RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missiles.

ADVERTISEMENT

One of the world's largest warships, the super-carrier spans 1,092 feet and displaces over 100,000 tons. It features a bulbous bow design to improve hull efficiency and curved edges on the flight deck to decrease radar signature. The USS George H.W. Bush has an updated aviation fuel storage and distribution system, semi-automated refueling, navigation system upgrades, and armored windows.

ADVERTISEMENT

USS Somerset (LPD-25)

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
uss-somerset-1094055082-86275
Matt Jonas/Digital First Media/Boulder Daily Camera via Getty Images
Matt Jonas/Digital First Media/Boulder Daily Camera via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

The USS Somerset is the fourth Navy vessel to be named in honor of victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Passengers of the United Airlines Flight 93 fought the terrorists and prevented the airplane from crashing at its intended site. Instead, it crashed in Somerset County, Pennsylvania.

ADVERTISEMENT

Approximately 22 tons of steel were used in the design of the USS Somerset, which were sourced from a crane that stood near Flight 93's crash site. She was the last Navy ship to depart from the Avondale Ship Yard before it closed, and is stationed at its homeport in San Diego when she's not out on deployment.

ADVERTISEMENT

USS Providence (SSN-719)

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
USS-Providence-160443872-21359
Jeremy Farr/Contributor
Jeremy Farr/Contributor
ADVERTISEMENT

Commissioned in July of 1985, the USS Providence (SSN-719) was the first Los Angeles class submarine to be equipped with the Tomahawk missile from the VLS system using its combat system CCS MK1.

ADVERTISEMENT

The submarine holds 12 officers and 98 enlisted, with BQQ-10 passive sonar, BQS-15 detecting and ranging sonar and BYG-1 fire control. It's also equipped for defense with Tomahawk land attack missile block with a range of 1,700 nautical miles and Harpoon anti-surface ship missile with a range of 70 nautical miles.

ADVERTISEMENT

USS Virginia (SSN-774)

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
USS_Virginia-1044509164-41121
Paul Hennessy/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Paul Hennessy/NurPhoto via Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

The USS Virginia (SSN-774) is a nuclear-powered attack submarine specifically designed for coastal attacks. One unique feature of this sub is its pressure chamber which allows SEALs to deploy while the submarine is still submerged.

ADVERTISEMENT

The USS Virginia can reach up to 25 knots and is equipped with vertical launch tubes that can fire Mk-48 torpedoes BGM-109 Tomahawk cruise missiles.

ADVERTISEMENT

USS Ticonderoga (DDG/CG-47)

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
USS-ticonderoga-909117-99193
photo by DOD
photo by DOD
ADVERTISEMENT

The USS Ticonderoga (DDG/CG-47) is a guided missile cruiser of the U.S. Navy that boasts the latest technology in tracking and engaging multiple aircraft targets. There are five U.S. Navy ships with the name Ticonderoga, named after the Ticonderoga (CV-14) that was nearly sunk during World War II.

ADVERTISEMENT

This cruiser was commissioned in 1983 and decommissioned in 2004. The Navy offered the ship to be used as a museum, but as of now there aren't any sites available to take her in.

ADVERTISEMENT

USS Freedom (LCS-1)

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
USS-Freedom-166121025-46307
JAY DIRECTO/AFP/Getty Images
JAY DIRECTO/AFP/Getty Images
ADVERTISEMENT

The USS Freedom (LCS-1) belongs to the littoral combat ships class. This vessel is designed for shallow water missions, including mine-sweeping and humanitarian relief. The USS Freedom has excellent maneuverability and speed but is not designed to take on large warships.

ADVERTISEMENT

Although Freedom has successfully assisted in missions such as delivering relief supplies to the Philippines after Typhoon Haiyan, it's been plagued with design flaws and engine failures that put this vessel on the low end of the list. However, it did complete rough water trials in March 2015, to prove that the ship is structurally sound and ready for deployment.

ADVERTISEMENT

USS Chief (MCM-14)

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
USS-Chief-US-Navy-63498
U.S. Navy/Petty Officer 1st Class Lynn Andrews/Wikimedia
U.S. Navy/Petty Officer 1st Class Lynn Andrews/Wikimedia
ADVERTISEMENT

The USS Chief (MCM-14) was named to honor the service and tradition of the Chief Petty Officers of the U.S. Navy. This ship was built as an Avenger-class mine countermeasures ship based in Sasebo, Japan, as part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet.

ADVERTISEMENT

The ship is equipped with a mine neutralization system and two .50 caliber machine guns. It's built for maneuverability and to withstand any dangerous mine explosions it may incur.