Intro
Explore the US Navys submarine fleet, including the Virginia, Los Angeles, Ohio, and Seawolf classes. Discover their unique features, capabilities, and roles in naval operations. From attack subs to ballistic missile subs, learn about the differences and advancements in each class, and how they contribute to the US Navys maritime dominance.
The United States Navy has a long and storied history of submarine development, with various classes of submarines serving critical roles in the country's defense. These underwater vessels are designed to operate in the most challenging environments, executing a range of missions from reconnaissance to combat. Understanding the different classes of US Navy submarines is essential to appreciating the complexity and capabilities of these naval assets.
Early Submarine Classes
The earliest submarine classes in the US Navy date back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These early submarines were primarily experimental and laid the groundwork for future development. The Holland-class submarines, for example, were the first submarines to be commissioned by the US Navy, with the USS Holland (SS-1) serving as the lead boat.
Holland-Class Submarines
- Commissioned: 1900
- Displacement: 64 tons
- Length: 64 feet
- Beam: 12 feet
- Draft: 8 feet
- Speed: 5 knots (surface), 3 knots (submerged)
- Armament: 1 x 14-inch torpedo tube
World War I and Interwar Period
During World War I, the US Navy expanded its submarine fleet with the introduction of new classes, including the E-class and R-class submarines. These vessels played a crucial role in the war effort, conducting patrols and reconnaissance missions.
E-Class Submarines
- Commissioned: 1911
- Displacement: 343 tons
- Length: 134 feet
- Beam: 13 feet
- Draft: 11 feet
- Speed: 10 knots (surface), 6 knots (submerged)
- Armament: 2 x 18-inch torpedo tubes
R-Class Submarines
- Commissioned: 1918
- Displacement: 569 tons
- Length: 186 feet
- Beam: 18 feet
- Draft: 13 feet
- Speed: 13 knots (surface), 8 knots (submerged)
- Armament: 4 x 21-inch torpedo tubes
World War II and the Cold War
During World War II, the US Navy introduced several new submarine classes, including the Gato-class, Balao-class, and Tench-class submarines. These vessels played a significant role in the war, conducting combat patrols and reconnaissance missions.
Gato-Class Submarines
- Commissioned: 1941
- Displacement: 1,525 tons
- Length: 312 feet
- Beam: 27 feet
- Draft: 16 feet
- Speed: 20 knots (surface), 8 knots (submerged)
- Armament: 6 x 21-inch torpedo tubes
Balao-Class Submarines
- Commissioned: 1942
- Displacement: 1,500 tons
- Length: 312 feet
- Beam: 27 feet
- Draft: 16 feet
- Speed: 20 knots (surface), 8 knots (submerged)
- Armament: 6 x 21-inch torpedo tubes
Tench-Class Submarines
- Commissioned: 1944
- Displacement: 1,570 tons
- Length: 312 feet
- Beam: 27 feet
- Draft: 16 feet
- Speed: 20 knots (surface), 8 knots (submerged)
- Armament: 6 x 21-inch torpedo tubes
Modern Submarine Classes
In the post-Cold War era, the US Navy has continued to develop new submarine classes, including the Los Angeles-class, Seawolf-class, and Virginia-class attack submarines. These vessels are equipped with advanced sensors, propulsion systems, and armament, making them among the most capable submarines in the world.
Los Angeles-Class Submarines
- Commissioned: 1976
- Displacement: 6,000 tons
- Length: 362 feet
- Beam: 33 feet
- Draft: 29 feet
- Speed: 20 knots (surface), 8 knots (submerged)
- Armament: 4 x 21-inch torpedo tubes
Seawolf-Class Submarines
- Commissioned: 1997
- Displacement: 9,138 tons
- Length: 353 feet
- Beam: 40 feet
- Draft: 35 feet
- Speed: 25 knots (surface), 10 knots (submerged)
- Armament: 8 x 21-inch torpedo tubes
Virginia-Class Submarines
- Commissioned: 2004
- Displacement: 7,800 tons
- Length: 377 feet
- Beam: 34 feet
- Draft: 30 feet
- Speed: 25 knots (surface), 10 knots (submerged)
- Armament: 4 x 21-inch torpedo tubes
Ballistic Missile Submarines
In addition to attack submarines, the US Navy operates a fleet of ballistic missile submarines, including the Ohio-class and Columbia-class submarines. These vessels are equipped with nuclear-tipped ballistic missiles, providing a critical component of the US nuclear deterrent.
Ohio-Class Submarines
- Commissioned: 1981
- Displacement: 18,750 tons
- Length: 560 feet
- Beam: 42 feet
- Draft: 29 feet
- Speed: 20 knots (surface), 10 knots (submerged)
- Armament: 24 x Trident II missiles
Columbia-Class Submarines
- Commissioned: 2027 (planned)
- Displacement: 20,000 tons
- Length: 560 feet
- Beam: 42 feet
- Draft: 29 feet
- Speed: 20 knots (surface), 10 knots (submerged)
- Armament: 16 x Trident II missiles
US Navy Submarine Classes Image Gallery
What is the oldest submarine class in the US Navy?
+The oldest submarine class in the US Navy is the Holland-class, which was commissioned in 1900.
What is the largest submarine class in the US Navy?
+The largest submarine class in the US Navy is the Ohio-class, which has a displacement of 18,750 tons.
What is the newest submarine class in the US Navy?
+The newest submarine class in the US Navy is the Columbia-class, which is expected to be commissioned in 2027.
We hope this article has provided a comprehensive overview of the different submarine classes in the US Navy. From the early Holland-class to the modern Columbia-class, each submarine class has played a critical role in the country's defense.