Navy Veteran Leaks Sub Secret to NJ Newspaper

Some ex-submariners (me included) had been unaware of a startling development for the latest U.S. nuclear subs. Undoubtetly, the editor of this New Jersey newspaper had also been unaware of it [color emphasis added].

As far as submarine duty is concerned, and being a former Navy man, I will say that service is chosen, and today’s subs are sleeker, faster and more modern and no longer require long days submerged.

- Kenneth Colon, Jail overcrowding puts inmates at risk, Herald News Opinion/Letters Sunday, October 10, 2010.

Two more gems from the knowledgable letter writer (M.E. takes strong exception t0 the first):

Submarine duty has no correlation to a prison or incarceration complex. In each case, those in charge must act and administer their duties under guidelines set by the federal code of regulations or by New Jersey state statute. [ibid]

A sub is designed and constructed to hold crew to certain levels, and if there is overcrowding it puts the crew and ship in danger. [ibid]

"The latest submarines no longer require long days submerged"! However does the Navy do that? Here are my guesses...

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a) Nuclear subs come to the surface every 6 hours during daylight to recharge their huge solar batteries and provide swim calls and tanning opportunities for off-duty sailors.

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b) Nuclear subs now utilize transporter rooms (photo above) allowing off-shift sailors to sleep at home, etc. each day.

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c) "Long hours submerged are now strictly forbidden by the federal code of regulations." Consequently, entire sub crews are relieved on each occasion submerged operations exceed 24 hours. (HINT: this requires Blue, Gold, Pewter and Brass crews).

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d) When at sea, off-duty submarine sailors are kept in a drug-induced state of suspended animation making time really seem to fly.

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Submarines are always silent and strange.