Submarines were crucial in protecting America and other countries from the Japanese navy vessels during World War II. They can operate completely below water, so they are not easily seen by the enemy. They are capable of carrying out reconnaissance and blockade-running missions. They can also be used in salvage operations.
Three types of attack submarines are available to the United States Navy. These vessels are equipped for engaging an enemy vessel, and are sometimes referred to as "boomers". These ballistic missile submarines are capable of carrying nuclear warheads and delivering them without detection. The United States Navy will have about 66 submarines by 2030. The submarine fleet will actually be the third largest worldwide.
The United States Navy currently owns 14 nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSGNs) and 14 ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs). SSBNs are designed to carry nuclear weapons for extended deterrent patrols. SSGNs also can be outfitted with Special Forces insertion, strike capability, and other options. Each SSBN can carry two crews. Each SSBN can hold approximately 24 SLBMs. SSBNs have a life expectancy of approximately 42. They can spend up 77 days at sea.
The United States Navy currently has three classes. These are used to support on-shore operations, surveillance and combat. The post-Cold War environment has been optimized for the Virginia and Seawolf classes. These submarines may also be equipped with Trident II D5 anti-missile missiles to increase their range and accuracy.
The United States Navy has a 30-year shipbuilding plan that will increase the submarine fleet by four boats a year, or approximately ten per year. These boats are used in attack and reconnaissance operations, and to blockade run. In 2051, there will be 93 submarines in the Navy.
The US Navy is opposed to exporting diesel-electric submarines. There are currently eight submarines in the United States, five in Japan, and two in Taiwan. The United States Navy currently has eight nuclear-powered submarines. They are fuelled with high-enriched uranium. Over 6200 reactor-years of accident-free experience have been accumulated by America's Navy. The submarines are also used for support in research and marine science.
The United States Navy operates four types of attack submarines. The new generation of submarines, the SSN(X), will combine the stealth and speed of the Seawolf class with the accessibility of the Virginia class. These submarines will feature advanced sensor technology and can coordinate with a greater number of off-hull vessels. SSN(X) is the Navy's new program. It aims to reorient United States undersea combat capabilities towards a greater power competition.
The United States Navy will keep having nuclear-powered subs in the future. It plans to have 66 total submarines by 2030. In 2017, the United States Navy will still operate 81 nuclear-powered ships. The submarines will remain operational for 15 years, with no major overhauls. The US Navy also owns three types of submarines that have not been nuclear-powered. These submarines can be used for salvage, tourism, and undersea archaeology.