America 250: Defense submarines and the rise of undersea warfare

A nuclear attack submarine may be the most formidable predator ever built.

Invisible. Quiet. Lethal.

In 2009, I spent a week submerged aboard the USS Miami, a nuclear-powered Los Angeles-class submarine known to its crew as the “Fightin’ Double Nickels.” The vessel was operating in the Atlantic during sea trials.

“It’s currently 0200. We’re getting ready to submerge the ship,” Executive Officer Mike Connor told me.

Moments later came the command.

“Dive, dive.”

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