America 250: Submarines and the Rise of Undersea Warfare

As the U.S. marks its 250th anniversary, a look at how nuclear-powered submarines have become a critical pillar of American power and security.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 6:50pm

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This article examines the evolution of submarines, from wooden prototypes to nuclear-powered predators, and how they have become one of the most decisive instruments of American power. It details the author's experience aboard the USS Miami, a nuclear-powered Los Angeles-class submarine, and how life aboard requires constant adaptation to a world without sunlight and with air and water generated onboard. The article traces the history of submarine warfare, from the Turtle's failed attempt in 1776 to the Confederate submarine H.L. Hunley's success in the Civil War, and how submarines matured into strategic weapons during World War II and the nuclear age.

Why it matters

Submarines have become a critical component of American defense and national security, serving as intelligence platforms, cruise missile launchers, special operations motherships, and a pillar of nuclear deterrence. As the U.S. faces increasingly sophisticated adversaries, the ability of submarines to operate unseen in contested waters has made them one of the most decisive instruments of American power.

The details

The article describes the author's experience aboard the USS Miami, a nuclear-powered Los Angeles-class submarine, and the level of procedure and adaptation required for life aboard. It explains how the submarine crew operated on an 18-hour day, with no sunrises or sunsets, only mission tempo. The article also traces the history of submarine warfare, from the Turtle's failed attempt in 1776 to the Confederate submarine H.L. Hunley's success in the Civil War, and how submarines matured into strategic weapons during World War II and the nuclear age.

  • In 2009, the author spent a week submerged aboard the USS Miami.
  • The USS Miami was decommissioned on March 28, 2014.

The players

USS Miami

A nuclear-powered Los Angeles-class submarine, known to its crew as the 'Fightin' Double Nickels'.

Mike Connor

The executive officer of the USS Miami.

Rich Bryant

The captain of the USS Miami, on his final mission before retirement.

David Bushnell

The inventor who deployed the Turtle, a small submersible that attempted to attach explosives to a British warship in New York Harbor in 1776.

H.L. Hunley

A Confederate submarine that sank a Union ship during the Civil War before being lost itself.

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What they’re saying

“It's currently 0200. We're getting ready to submerge the ship.”

— Mike Connor, Executive Officer

“The sun is just not relevant.”

— Mike Connor, Executive Officer

“We make air as good as God does.”

— Crew member

“Good, but we're a little rusty.”

— Rich Bryant, Captain

“Just remember, it's free, but it ain't cheap.”

— Rich Bryant, Captain

The takeaway

Submarines have evolved from wooden prototypes to nuclear-powered predators, becoming one of the most decisive instruments of American power and a critical pillar of national security. Their ability to operate unseen in contested waters has made them essential for intelligence gathering, cruise missile launches, special operations, and nuclear deterrence, as the U.S. faces increasingly sophisticated adversaries.