Hi, I'm a Navy Submariner. Ask Me Anything!

Is your jam dive buddy blonde or brunette?

I thought I said I wasn't discussing classified information.

Which sub class is your favorite and why is it the Seawolf?

Seawolf class is very modern, and is a very robust submarine. Also, as we like to say, the fastest, quietest, deepest diving, most heavily armed submarine in the nation's arsenal.

How do you feel about it being no faster, deeper diving, or heavily armed than its Russian counterparts?..or there being only three of them.

I feel like we need more. As for the comparison to their Russian counterparts, I’d say that’s not entirely accurate.

how often does a Red October reference slip out?

Not often enough.

What about Down Periscope?

Sometimes. We loves those movies, but tend to watch a lot of stuff. Last time I was underway we watched all of Letterkenny.

Can a nuclear rod have a meltdown, like Fukushima or Chernobyl? If so, do they train you for what to do if it does?

The chances of a reactor plant meltdown are extremely miniscule due to the design differences between reactor plants like ours and plants like Chernobyl and Fukushima. But yes, it could possibly happen. The Navy's Nuclear Power Program prides itself on over 50 years of safe reactor operation, and it's through our rigorous training program that we've achieved that.

Don't forget about the sacrifices of the souls of nubs made to Lord Rickover.

All souls get sacrificed to our fearless leader.

50 years is pretty impressive. Thanks for your service, by the way!

Thank you!

That's a wonderful safety record. The navy must have some great land-based reactor support to keep you going.

Not really. I mean, we have people on shore to help accomplish some of the maintenance (a very small part), and we have the designers to answer technical questions when we can't figure them out, and then the squadron staff the submarine in question belongs to provides some form of mentoring and guidance. That's the role I am currently filling.

How long did it take you to adjust to the pressure down there? Also thank you for your service.

Great question, and thanks for asking. There is no pressure really to adjust to, honestly. The submarine's hull allows us to maintain normal atmospheric pressure inside. This will vary slightly less than and slightly above atmospheric pressure as we use air and bring more onboard into our air storage banks, but it's not like scuba diving or any big adjustments like that.

Okay that's pretty cool. I'm not sure why but I compared it to flying. You said air storage banks...does that mean you have air delivered while you're at dock or while submerged and in action?

We have air compressors on board that compress air into storage flasks. We can then bleed some of that air out into our people spaces while underwater. Most times we will bring in air when we are surfaced, or when we're near the surface.

What was the biggest news story you missed while being deployed?

Wow, what a great question -

To be honest, i'm not sure! I was in Boot Camp for 9/11/2001, and didn't understand what had really happened until after. I didn't see the footage until after I was out, about a month later.
My dad passed away while I was on one deployment. My uncle another. My son was born during one. The biggest things to adjust to are the things that affect you directly - the loss of a loved one, the road construction project that finishes while you're gone, the business that closes.
The new stories always happen. The conflicts in Syria from 2012-2013 were probably the biggest new stories that happened while I was deployed.

Hah! I got out ages ago, but I started power school the month before 9/11. I bet we were at NNPTC at the same time.

Definitely were then.

What’s the longest you’ve been on a sub at one time?

Well, that really depends on your meaning. I spent over 90 days completely submerged before, without surfacing. In 2018, I spent 323 days away from my homeport. Some of those days were in foreign countries, some were under the polar ice, and some were doing missions vital to our national security.

Submerged.

Damn. What was the hardest adjustment for that?

Honestly, the biggest thing ahead of time is to make sure you have stuff to occupy your mind during the free time you have. The 100+ other people you're going to be with are your family and your life for that amount of time. You have to place your life in their hands and vice versa. I read a lot to pass the time, I did a lot of work with my guys, teaching them, and I took up writing for a hobby for a while.
You're very isolated, sometimes not even getting to send emails off the submarine back home, so it really is just you and your crew against the ocean.

So this lockdown going on right now is easy like a Sunday morning in summer for you.

Do you find it difficult to adjust when you come back?

It's always a huge adjustment coming home. Families that have learned how to do everything without you, things in your home being in different places, kids being older, stuff that has happened in the news.. yeah. It's a big adjustment every time, especially after the longer deployments.

This lockdown is a little different, as now, in addition to doing as much of my job from home as I can, I'm also home-schooling my three kids. So it's different, but the social aspects do, in a lot of ways, feel like I'm back on a submarine.

I guess I never thought about what it feels like to come back and see how everything runs independently without you.

I’m sure your family and friends are so happy to see you and have you around when you come home, but does it make you feel...out of place?

Absolutely it does. For quite a while. Just things like not knowing what kids are doing in school now, or where certain kitchen utensils go, for the first week you definitely can feel like a stranger in your own home.

Is there anything that would make the transition easier when you returned?

Sorry I keep bombarding you with questions.

Just to be treated like everything is normal, really. We caution our sailors to try and take a step back - the wives have learned how to function without us and have been doing it for a while now, so we need to slowly re-integrate ourselves. Being treated normally is the biggest thing. Also, understanding there's a lot we do that we can't talk about, so not asking us questions we can't answer helps as well.

Active Army here, always been fascinated by submarines; what kind of exercise facilities are on a submarine? Any pull up bars? Free weights? Treadmill?

What he said.

Ever read Blind Man’s Bluff?

Multiple times.

Hello thanks for your service and doing this. Did you ever hear/see any ocean wildlife down there? Any whales/dolphins or a giant kraken? Maybe a talking clownfish looking for their son?

We definitely hear ocean wildlife in sonar all the time, but there's no windows on submarines, so no actual seeing them!

Can you hook me up with a case of red bug juice and a submarine sweater XXL?

Your best bet for a submarine sweater is eBay. As far as the bug juice, nowadays it's just crystal light. That's easy to get.

Ok on the sweaters. Are they still available at Submart?

No, they're not. They're remaking them for order through the supply system but haven't been manufactured yet.

So, I'm kind of curious why someone would choose to do their service on a submarine as it seems like it takes a whole lot of mental fortitude to do.
Are there some pay benefits? Easier to go up in rank? Just want a challenge?
I'm sure people's reasons vary, but what are some of the common ones?

For me, I volunteered for it right away, before I really knew what it was like.

That being said, as a Navy Nuke, your options are submarines or aircraft carriers. I love how tight-knit the crew on a submarine is. You'll never see that on a carrier. They have 5,000 people.We have 150. I knew everyone, and depended on all of them. That being said, you do get a little more pay, but there's a lot more sacrifice. We do cooler stuff though, too. And in general, yes, easier to go up in rank too.

Interesting. Thank you very much for your detailed reply!

Anytime!

What do you do in your free time in the sub? What do you have access to?

We bring our laptops and phones (obviously no internet, so download what you want ahead of time). As submarines, cribbage is a big tradition. Our recreation committee normally has purchased a couple Playstations and a library of games for the crew to play on. Normally everyone brings a hard drive with TV shows, movies, and other media (games, books, etc) for people to share and enjoy. A lot of people work out.

For me on one deployment, it was an hour on an elliptical every single day while I watched a TV show. I watched 4 seasons of Game of Thrones during that deployment. During my last one I watched a few TV shows, beginning to end.
Oh - and lots of music videos.

Is there no internet because of the security risk, or are you just underwater too much?

There is no internet because we are too far underwater.

Thank you! I really enjoyed your IAmA.

Thanks! I enjoyed it as well!

Hey Senior Cheif!

I'm an ET student in prototype right now, and I was wondering: is there anything I can do right now to increase my chances of getting on the Carter?

Thanks!

You would need to reach out to the special projects detailer right now and ask if you can volunteer. Send me a message if you want their contact info. Carter is volunteer only, and we always need people in the squadron. You would have to be able to qualify for a TS/SCI clearance. Send me your information and I can reach out to him too.

What's special about the Carter?

Google it. I can’t really talk about the Carter.

Are all submarines nuclear?

All US Navy manned submarines are nuclear-powered. Not all submarines are nuclear.

What kind of excercise is popular onbard?

There's typically one treadmill, an exercise bike or two, an elliptical. Some submarines have a rowing machine (which I loved), and a versa-climber (which I did NOT love). Then an assortment of resistance bands and free weights. Just think of whatever exercises you can do in a space the size of a typical bathroom. No room to jump around or really spread out.

lol; so no deadlifting?

Yeah, not so much.

[question] how does it feels when submarine goes underneath and comes out of water ?

lookingrightone, it really depends on the angle at which we do. Most times it's very gradual. It also depends on the weather on the surface. There are times the submarine is surfaced and is rocking back and forth quite a bit. There are times where it's smooth sailing. But when we come out of the water quickly, called an emergency surfacing, that feels a bit like a roller coaster ride where you feel it in your stomach as you near the top.

Which movie/show set onboard a sub do people think is the best and/or the most accurate?

Accurate in what way? For the attitudes of the people on board, definitely Down Periscope.

Have you seen the episode of The Simpsons where Homer joins the Navy?

I have yes.

Is it nuclear or nucular?

Nuclear.

how deep have you personally gone? And while at that depth what interesting things happened? For instance, as an example, I took a bag of potato chips down with me on a scuba dive, at 66feet it had crumpled a bit and at 99 feet it crumpled even more. it was a kinda cool, i even tried this in reverse by taking a bag of chips into high altitude.

thank you for serving

I can't really discuss the depths we've operated at, but the pressure inside the submarine doesn't change - see my atmosphere answer above. You may be able to google for some answers. We did put some styrofoam cups in a torpedo tube and exposed it to sea pressure. They get very small. And thanks!

Describe your reward from the other sailors when you received your dolphins?

A congratulations and a hearty-handshake, along with the pride from knowing they trusted me with their lives while beneath the waves.

(sorry to jump in again - no more tacking?)

No.

Are you able to tell us what classes of sub you've served on? Thanks for this AMA!

Absolutely! I've served on Los Angeles Class, Ohio Class (Guided Missile, not Ballistic Missile), and Seawolf Class. I've also operated the reactor of a James Madison class former ballistic missile submarine.

You’re a molecule of seawater. How would you light my rack light?

(Sorry, senior....couldn’t resist)

Yeah, not posting exam material on here. ;)

hello.Thanks for doing this ama. As tall person being on WW2 era subs(in museums) i did see how small they are. Are modern nuclear subs also cheap with overhead space, and tall people dont usually serve on subs?

Occasionally we see the really tall people, but yes, still cramped in the overhead. Not like the WW2 subs though.

Would you believe that we have 26 mutual friends on a different social media platform?

I would absolutely believe that. Submarine force is a small community.

6 and out EMN(SS) here, I just have one question for you.

Would you rather fight 10 duck sized horses, or a horse sized duck?

10 duck sized horses, of course.

Does a hurricane have any effect on a submarine under water?
Is there a limit on how many times a submarine operator can dive?

If we are close enough to the surface, yes. Typically we'll avoid significantly bad weather, but it just depends.

No limits on how many times we can dive.

[question] have you ever been in red alert situation like threaten or war while you are underneath??

Yes. Not outright war, but yes.

Is it true part of your shift on duty is spent looking at the farthest point away possible on the ship to prevent nearsightedness?

Nope. There are plenty of places where you can see some distance away.

Is there some way to help deal with the cramped spaces or is that somewhat of a prerequisite for being assigned to a duty? Do naval members have a say in the ship/craft they're deployed on?

Depending on the class of submarine, some are more cramped than others. It's somewhat of a prerequisite for volunteering for submarine service, understanding that you could be in those cramped environments. Our beds are very small.

We don't have much of a say in what ship we deploy on. There's a process where a list is shown to us of what we are eligible for and we list them in order of our preferences, and then the personnel manager, known as a detailer, picks the one that he needs us to go to.

One of my coworkers told me former NBA player David Robinson (7'1") served on a submarine. My very limited research makes it sound like he actually spent his service on a submarine base...big difference. Do you happen to know one way or another?

And as others have said, thanks for your service!

If he only did two years, did not serve on submarines. The training alone for officers is 15 months.

Why is the goat locker called that? How much room is in there for how many people, compared to the regular crew quarters?

The term goat locker takes its origins from wooden ship sailing times, when goats were kept aboard ship. ... The quarters for the goat were traditionally in the Chief Petty Officer mess, which inherited the moniker "goat locker".

Depends on the submarine class, but my favorite had 12 beds, or racks, inside, plus a single bathroom (one shower, one toilet, two sinks), and a small lounge area. Not all Chiefs sleep in the Chief's Mess (normally about 15 Chiefs on board)

In your bio, you list Idaho. What's in Idaho for a nuclear officer in the US Navy?

ROTC Unit at the University of Idaho. There’s also a Navy base in northern Idaho for acoustic testing of Navy ships and submarines. Like models of them. Google it, the place is awesome.

Have you ever played any submarine sims? If so which one did you think captured the operation of a sub the best? ( in terms of maneuvering it, physics of sonar, simulating how target acquistion works, etc)

I haven’t found one very accurate to present day, but for World War 2 submarines, Silent Service for the NES is extremely accurate.

Not sure if this is quite the right question for you, but how significant are generational advances in submarines?

With tanks for example there is little functional difference between a T-72B and a T-90A, but with fighters there is an absolutely massive difference between an F-15 and F-22, and with rifles again there is no real difference between even an M16A1 and M4A1.

In the nuclear power plant, the advances are certainly slow. This makes it easy though for someone who serves on one type to come serve on another. That said, they do make small improvements. In our tactical systems, the improvements are vast.

Which do submariners consider the best submarine movie, Das Boot; Hunt for Red October; or Crimson Tide, and why?

If we have to keep it to those three, Hunt for Red October probably for the realism. Das Boot is awesome, just very long. Crimson Tide is just so far out to lunch that most of us really don't care for it.

Thanks. If you want to mention another, please go ahead. Those were the only three I could think of off the top of my head.

I'm rather fond of Down Periscope. It's a comedy, but totally jives with the personality of many of us.

Do you need perfect 20/20 vision to be a navy submariner?

Nope, just correctable! Glasses work fine.

What does it smell like down there?

Not good. The chemicals we used to maintain the atmosphere definitely leave a smell. You get used to it, until you step foot outside. Then you really notice it.

Has the submarine ever been attacked by whales, shark or anything other animal?

Polar bear when surfaced through the ice. Sometimes a shark tries to take a bite. That’s about it.

Has there ever been a “holy shit this might be bad” moment where alarms went off and something was wrong? I have a fear of drowning so I’d be far more scared to be on a sub than even in space, so thank you for what you do. And are there days off where you don’t do anything? I hear it’s a lot of alternating day and night between the crew.

Yes, a few times we've had some things go bad. That's why we train so extensively. The crew snapped into action and did their jobs. There are no days off out to sea. 8 hours of standing watch, 8 hours of off time to do qualifications, maintenance, training, etc., and 8 hours to sleep.

When did they switch to 8s instead of 6s?

Sleep study came out in 2013 or so suggesting it. Didn’t take long before it was mandated for fatigue.

Ever get closterphobic? How do you handle it?

Nope. If we did, we wouldn't be able to serve on submarines medically.

Where can I get one of those awesome double neck knit sweaters sailors always have?

eBay. Or maybe an Army/Navy Surplus store.

What's one job on the boat that's not yours but you wish was? And, why?

Honestly, I'd love to have been a submarine officer. To be more involved in the tactical aspects of the submarine vice keeping the engineering plant running I think would be really cool.

What made you volunteer for that as opposed to something else? Did you consider other branches, or did you know exactly what you wanted to do?

My dad was Navy. I wanted to do that. Honestly though, the job field wasn’t what I originally picked. They swayed me with money.

Do you think there guys on patrol right now that have no idea about Corona virus or what's going on in the news today?

Not anymore. It’s been going on too long. At least for coronavirus.

Do you think some people found out about Corona virus upon their return home? Would be a shock to come home to.

Absolutely they did, and absolutely it was. They didn’t understand the real impact until they were home.

One last question, do you work on a boomer or fast attack sub? I'm a merchant sailor (engineer) and I get my own cabin, couldn't even fathom sharing a bunk with someone like on a fast attack sub.

I’m not on any now. But I was on a fast attack sub.

How many people are operating in a submarine and what are their jobs? In movies like Das Boot, I always wondered why there are so many people and what they are all doing? Thank you!

Sure. There are Yeoman, who handle our administrative paperwork. Sonar Technicians, who listen to what's out there. Fire Control Technicians, who plot solutions to contacts (other ships and submarines). Navigation ETs, who handle electronics navigation equipment and plot the position of the ship, Radiomen, handle communications, ITs, who handle the shipboard Local Area Network, the different engineering rates (Mechanics, Electricians, and Electronics Technicians) who keep the engineering equipment (nuclear reactor, steam systems, water production systems, air conditioning, etc.) all functioning. Then there are the logistic specialists who handle our ordering of food and parts, and our culinary specialists who handle cooking our food. Additionally, there are torpedomen who handle the torpedos and small arms aboard. There may be other specialists brought on for different mission sets. All told, there are normally around 150 people onboard.

Man, doc is always forgot about.

I knew I’d forget one or two. Doc is the best!

Wow, thanks for that extensive answer. Really helps understanding how things work onboard

Absolutely! Each division of people isn't too big (Electricians and Mechanics are about 15 each), but we all have jobs to do!

I heard US Navy personnel who serve on submarines prefer to be called subMARiner rather than SUBmariner. Is this a common sentiment?

Yeah, I’ve seen a lot of back and forth here but this is generally true.

Well, that really depends on where you stand. You’re welcome to view my thoughts at www.actualtom.com.

Can I get a charge?

Not sure what you’re asking here.

Really?

Oh. Now I get the context. That’s not really submarining, that’s navy. And sure, but not here.

How many Pings do you need?

Why, a single ping, of course.

Do you actually use 360 controllers to control things?

The latest class, the Virginia-class, does indeed use a 360 controller to control one of its photonics masts.

When will you upgrade to an Xbox One Elite controller? Just imagine how much better you'll be against other gamepad-equipped submarines!

Great question. That’s not my area of expertise so I couldn’t tell you!

Given the unique conditions that Submariners work in, is a psychological evaluation conducted to assess mental health fitness?

Yes, we undergo a special health screening to determine our validity for submarines.