Seawater chemistry, acoustics, physics, geography, topography and oceanography are all essential for submariners to master, in order to conduct their many underwater missions safely and successfully. Broadly defined, nuclear submarines have three main missions. First is nuclear deterrence, in which the threat of one's own weapons prevents enemies from launching their own. Second is anti-submarine warfare, wherein a submarine detects and is ready to destroy enemy subs at the first signs of a missile launch. Last is special operations, which range from reconnaissance of enemy activities to placing specialized troops in targeted areas for specific tasks.
Copyright © 2000, The National Museum of American History
Seawater chemistry, acoustics, physics, geography, topography and oceanography are all essential for submariners to master, in order to conduct their many underwater missions safely and successfully. Broadly defined, nuclear submarines have three main missions. First is nuclear deterrence, in which the threat of one's own weapons prevents enemies from launching their own. Second is anti-submarine warfare, wherein a submarine detects and is ready to destroy enemy subs at the first signs of a missile launch. Last is special operations, which range from reconnaissance of enemy activities to placing specialized troops in targeted areas for specific tasks.
