Did you know? The USS Nautilus—the world’s first nuclear powered submarine—was built in Groton, Conn. in 1954.
Did you know? The USS Nautilus—the world’s first nuclear-powered submarine—was built in Groton, Conn., in 1954.
Named after Jules Verne’s fictional submarine in the novel “Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea,” a nuclear reactor powered the USS Nautilus, the S2W pressurized water reactor, which enabled it to stay submerged for significantly longer periods compared to conventional diesel-electric submarines. The nuclear propulsion system also allowed the submarine to achieve higher underwater speeds and operate without the need for frequent refueling.
Under the command of Commander Eugene P. Wilkinson, the Nautilus embarked on a series of groundbreaking missions that showcased the capabilities of nuclear-powered submarines. One of its most notable achievements occurred on August 3, 1958, when the Nautilus became the first vessel to reach the North Pole by navigating beneath the Arctic ice cap. This historic journey, known as “Operation Sunshine,” demonstrated the strategic value of nuclear submarines in traversing previously inaccessible areas.
After a distinguished career spanning 25 years, the USS Nautilus was decommissioned on March 3, 1980. It had traveled more than half a million miles during its service, proving the viability of nuclear power as a propulsion system for naval vessels. Recognizing its significance, the Nautilus was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1982.
Today, the USS Nautilus is preserved as a museum ship at the Submarine Force Library and Museum in Groton, Connecticut. Visitors can tour the submarine and learn about its fascinating history, while also gaining insight into the development and impact of nuclear-powered submarines in modern naval warfare.
