National Submarine Day
Pay tribute to the many souls lost beneath the ocean, and consider the game-changing effects of the invention of the Submarine on our technology, warfare, and more.
How low… can you go? How low… can you go? When it comes to National Submarine Day, it’s easy to believe that it’s pretty low.
How to Celebrate National Submarine Day
Today’s observance of National Submarine Day can take on many forms. Here are some ideas for making plans, but feel free to go far beyond and get creative with some of your own ideas too!
Visit a Submarine
Those who are serious about observing National Submarine Day might want to consider taking a road trip to a museum or other exhibit where a submarine is accessible to the public.
Smaller retired subs often find themselves put on display for adults and children to see and experience what it is really like, in places like children’s museums and science exhibits.
Various submarine tours can be found in port cities in the United States and other countries, including Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, Denmark, and many other European countries.
Learn Fun Facts About Submarines
In celebration of National Submarine Day, raise awareness for the day by learning about and sharing some of these interesting bits of trivia:
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Submarines were used in the American Civil War. The South built small steam-powered subs called “Davids” to fire torpedoes at the ships from the North.
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The furthest dive completed by a submarine was 35,858 feet.
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The world’s first submarine for the military was designed in the US and built in 1776, the same year the US gained its independence.
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The periscope, which is a vital tool for submarines, was invented in 1854 by a Frenchman.
Check Out the Submarine Force Library & Museum
In the US, the only submarine museum in the country that is run by the US Navy is located in the New England state of Connecticut.
At the Submarine Force Library & Museum, the first nuclear powered submarine, the USS Nautilus, resides right outside the back doors of the building.
Free tours of the sub are given for individuals, families, school trips and more. Scavenger hunts are also a fun way for folks to participate, especially in celebration of National Submarine Day!
Take a Moment to Consider Submarines
In celebration of National Submarine Day, perhaps it would be important to simply take some time to think about and consider this special feat of engineering.
Take a moment to think about the ingenuity and majesty of the mighty submarine itself. Celebrate its place in the modern world. Or imagine what these submarines might be like in a hundred years’ time!
But perhaps most importantly, this would be an important time to take a moment to think about those whose lives have been lost at sea over the years and pay tribute to the courage of those who made a sacrifice, whether in the name of their countries or for increased knowledge and science.
History of National Submarine Day
Some people may find it hard to believe that the first recorded submersible was built by Cornelius Drebbel in 1620!
This underwater ship was apparently built for James I of England for use in London, although why anyone would want to plunge beneath the surface of a 17th century Thames is difficult to understand!
The original versions of submarines were built to hold only one or two passengers, but modern versions are made to hold up to 100 passengers. Typically, since this is a very dangerous job, militaries will use as few people on their crew as possible.
April 11, 1900 is the date when the United States government purchased its first commissioned submarine, named the USS Holland.
The USS Holland was the United States Navy’s first commissioned submarine, named for her Irish-American inventor, John Philip Holland. (It is important to note that this was not actually the first submarine of the US Navy, which was the 1862 Alligator.)
But this boat was originally laid down as Holland VI, and launched on 17 May 1897.
Having played major parts in military operations for over a century, today’s submarines are, of course, far more sophisticated than that particular oar-powered contraption.
The amount of expertise that goes into their design, construction, maintenance and operation is quite staggering, especially when you take into account the inclusion of navigation and communication networks, sensors, armaments and weaponry, and powerful propulsion systems.
This is all in addition to the most important part of a submarine: a large number of rigorously trained and highly skilled men and women who are often putting their lives on the line for their countries!
In honor of that first commissioning of the USS Holland in 1900, National Submarine Day was established to be celebrated each year on the anniversary of this date!
National Submarine Day FAQs
Did early submarines have any unique features?
Yes, the first recorded submersible, built by Cornelius Drebbel in 1620, was an oar-powered vessel designed for King James I of England. This early submarine was intended for use in the River Thames.
How did submarines operate during the American Civil War?
The Confederacy developed small steam-powered submarines known as “Davids.” These vessels were used to launch torpedoes at Union ships, marking an early use of submarines in combat.
What is the deepest dive ever completed by a submarine?
The deepest recorded submarine dive reached 35,858 feet, showcasing the remarkable engineering capabilities of these vessels.
Who invented the periscope, and when?
The periscope, a crucial tool for submarines, was invented in 1854 by Frenchman Edme Hippolyte Marie-Davy. This device allows submariners to observe the surface while remaining submerged.
What was the first military submarine, and when was it built?
The first military submarine was the Turtle, built in 1775 during the American Revolutionary War.
Designed by David Bushnell, it was a one-man, hand-powered vessel intended to attach explosives to enemy ships.
How do modern submarines manage crew schedules during extended missions?
Historically, U.S. submarines operated on an 18-hour day, dividing crews into three sections with 6 hours on watch and 12 hours off.
This schedule aimed to maintain alertness during long patrols. However, since 2012, the Navy has transitioned to a 24-hour schedule to better align with natural circadian rhythms.
What is the significance of dolphins in submarine insignia?
The insignia of the U.S. Submarine Force features a submarine flanked by two dolphins.
In Greek mythology, dolphins were attendants to Poseidon, the god of the sea, symbolizing protection and guidance for sailors.
Their inclusion represents the submarine’s connection to the sea and its traditions.
How do submarines dispose of human waste while submerged?
Submarines are equipped with sanitary tanks where human waste is collected.
At appropriate times, this waste is expelled into the sea using pressurized air systems, ensuring hygiene and environmental safety.
What role did the USS Alligator play in U.S. submarine history?
The USS Alligator, designed by Brutus de Villeroi in 1862, was the U.S. Navy’s first known submarine. Although it sank during a storm in 1863, it represented a significant step in underwater naval technology.
How do submarines maintain fresh air for the crew during prolonged submersion?
Modern submarines use advanced life support systems that generate oxygen through electrolysis of water.
They also employ scrubbers to remove carbon dioxide, ensuring a breathable atmosphere for the crew during extended missions.
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