USS Nautilus (SSN-571) Overview

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Questions and Answers

What was significant about USS Nautilus (SSN-571) when it was commissioned?

It was the first submarine powered by nuclear energy. (correct)

It was the largest submarine ever built at that time.

It was the first submarine to be built in Groton, Connecticut.

It had stealth technology that made it invisible.

Who was the first commander of USS Nautilus?

Admiral William H. McRaven

Lieutenant John A. McCarthy

Commander Eugene P. Wilkinson (correct)

Captain Hyman G. Rickover

What was the primary purpose of the Naval Reactors Branch during the development of Nautilus?

To manage submarine base operations.

To recruit personnel for submarine missions.

To standardize submarine weapon testing.

To develop a nuclear propulsion plant for submarines. (correct)

During its shakedown cruise, how far did Nautilus travel submerged?

1,381 miles in 89.8 hours. Signup and view all the answers

In which year did Nautilus conduct rigorous exercises with hunter-killer groups?

1956 Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant finding of the research conducted on Nautilus regarding anti-submarine warfare?

Older anti-submarine practices became obsolete. Signup and view all the answers

When did Nautilus log her 60,000th nautical mile?

4 February 1957 Signup and view all the answers

What marked a significant milestone for the Nautilus during its operations?

It was the first submarine to operate under the Arctic polar ice pack. Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of Operation Sunshine conducted by Nautilus?

A fully submerged transit under the North Pole. Signup and view all the answers

Who led the group of scientists and engineers that developed the nuclear propulsion plant for Nautilus?

Captain Hyman G. Rickover Signup and view all the answers

Which event was celebrated by the crew of Nautilus and recognized by President Eisenhower?

Successful transit over the North Pole. Signup and view all the answers

Which submarine did Nautilus operate alongside off Bermuda?

USS Seawolf (SSN-575) Signup and view all the answers

What allowed U.S. submarines to operate in the Arctic region?

Introduction of nuclear power into submarines. Signup and view all the answers

Where did Nautilus undergo her first complete overhaul?

Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the significant upgrades during Nautilus's overhaul?

Replacement of the reactor core. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the primary reasons the Arctic region was previously inaccessible to U.S. submarines?

Limitations of diesel-electric submarines under ice. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary focus of Nautilus during her deployment after the Cuban Missile Crisis?

Evaluation tests for anti-submarine warfare improvements Signup and view all the answers

Which historic event did Nautilus participate in during the fall of 1962?

Cuban Missile Crisis quarantine Signup and view all the answers

How long did the extensive overhaul of Nautilus take?

27 months Signup and view all the answers

In what year did Nautilus log her 300,000th mile underway?

1966 Signup and view all the answers

What recognition did Nautilus receive in 1982?

National Historic Landmark designation Signup and view all the answers

Where did Nautilus begin its inactivation procedures?

Mare Island Naval Shipyard, California Signup and view all the answers

What unique position does the historic ship Nautilus hold?

It is the first exhibit of its kind in the world Signup and view all the answers

How many nuclear-powered submarines did the Navy have by 1961?

About 12 Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

USS Nautilus (SSN-571)

Commissioned on 30 September 1954 in Groton, Connecticut
First nuclear-powered submarine
Commander Eugene P. Wilkinson was the first commander
Developed by a team of scientists and engineers led by Captain Hyman G. Rickover at the Naval Reactors Branch of the Atomic Energy Commission
Remained dockside for further construction and testing after commissioning
On 17 January 1955, powered by nuclear power for the first time
Conducted sea trials and preliminary acceptance tests by the Navy
Undertook a shakedown cruise on 10 May 1955, traveling 1,381 miles submerged in 89.8 hours, the longest submerged cruise at that time
Conducted rigorous exercises in Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island and off Bermuda
Visited several east coast Navy bases, conducted torpedo firing tests, and standardization trials
In 1957, the nuclear reactor fuel core was replaced at the Electric Boat Company in Groton
Traveled to the U.S. west coast and then returned to New London, Connecticut in July 1957, participated in exercises in the Pacific
First voyage under Arctic polar ice pack in 1958 (1,383 miles)
Performed the highly secret "Operation Sunshine" submerged transit under the North Pole in April 1958. This was a successful approach after an earlier failed attempt in the Chukchi Sea
Congratulated by President Dwight D. Eisenhower and awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for the expedition
Underwent a complete overhaul in 1959 at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard
Deployed to the Mediterranean Sea in 1960 for the first time
Conducted anti-submarine warfare tests and NATO exercises in the Atlantic
Played a role in the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962
Participated in further fleet exercises and developmental testing (300,000 nautical miles over six years)
Returned to Groton for a 27 month overhaul in 1963
Returned to a homeport in May 1966
Became a National Historic Landmark in May 1982
Towed to Groton on July 6, 1985
Served as a Museum in Groton, Connecticut
Receiving upgrades in 2021 at a projected cost of $36 million

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Description

This quiz covers the USS Nautilus, the first nuclear-powered submarine commissioned by the U.S. Navy in 1954. Delve into its significant milestones, including its pioneering shakedown cruise and various operational exercises. Test your knowledge on its history and contributions to naval technology.