Modern-SSK's-in-the-US-Navy?--The-Subject-that-Won't-Rest.

**seaman hornsby** · 06-20-2019, 02:37 PM

https://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2018/june/theres-case-diesels?fbclid=IwAR2rVwxeuTc5Ib_ex4gewy_VpjBpakrBeI_ShLRuRVu0ODvynd0txLxgP6k

Since the USS Nautilus (SSN-571) set sail in 1954, nuclear power has been the defining characteristic of the U.S. Navy’s undersea dominance. The performance advantages of nuclear submarines over conventional, diesel-electric submarines are considerable, however force structure, procurement, and fiscal sustainability have created challenges for total reliance on nuclear power. Meanwhile, rapid strategic and technological changes, such as the shift to littoral conflict or the extreme stealth of air independent propulsion (AIP) submarines, have eroded the nuclear advantage. The U.S. Navy would do well to consider augmenting its current submarine force with quiet, inexpensive, and highly capable diesel-electric submarines.

**wlambing** · 06-21-2019, 04:32 PM

This will never, ever happen!!!

B^)

DBF!

**eckloss** · 06-21-2019, 05:38 PM

But is it really such a horrible idea, though? The above article does make a good case. In an era when America is rooted in a "go big or go home" mentality to help preserve its superiority, cheap alternatives like AIP get pushed aside, in my opinion, too quickly.

**JWLaRue** · 06-21-2019, 10:33 PM

Every couple of years some newly minted Navy officer writes essentially the same, making the same recommendation.

I can't but help wonder what happens to these young officers once they reach higher rank as no one seems follow through on their original proposal.

-Jeff

**wlambing** · 06-22-2019, 08:55 AM

Certainly not a bad idea, but the powers that be will kill it every time. The youngsters get slapped around a little bit, get assimilated (resistance is futile!), and the idea goes back into the box. Yet, a waste of effort such as the LCSs or Zumwalts will be allowed to progress and everybody loses. It's the way the game is played. Hell, if we got diesels back, I might even come out of retirement!!!

B^)

**JWLaRue** · 06-22-2019, 11:55 AM

Originally posted by wlambing View Post

resistance is futile!

Yup. Let's hope we don't need another shock to the system like the one that finally convinced the Navy that the era of big battleships was over.

-Jeff

Modern-SSK's-in-the-US-Navy?--The-Subject-that-Won't-Rest.

Modern-SSK's-in-the-US-Navy?--The-Subject-that-Won't-Rest.

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