World Navies Today: US Navy Submarines and Manned Submersibles

Revised 10 March 2003
Version 2.19
Compiled and Maintained by: Andrew Toppan
World Navies Today Main Page: http://www.hazegray.org/worldnav/

This list includes all US submarines and manned submersibles of all types.

Ships not yet commissioned, or in long-term overhaul/conversion, are listed in italics. Navigation and surface-search radars are not listed. All classifications are purely unofficial and are based on an attempt to use standard classifications throughout all navies; they may or may not correspond to "official" designations. Where two dates are given (i.e. 1965/82), the first is the date of initial completion, and the second is the date of acquisition, conversion, or transfer. Designations given in (parentheses) are assigned but not displayed on the ship's hull.

Note: Most submarine propulsion data is not publicly released. The data given in this list is based on typical unofficially reported information.

Ship Types Listed:
Ballistic Missile Submarines (SSBN)
Guided Missile Submarines (SSGN)
Attack Submarines (SSN)
Special Mission Submarines (SSN)
Auxiliary Submarines (SSN, AGSS, SS)
Manned Submesibles


Ballistic Missile Submarines

Ohio class ballistic missile submarines (17 ships)

Displacement: 18,750 tons submerged
Dimensions: 560 x 42 x 36.25 feet/170.7 x 12.8 x 11 meters
Propulsion: 1 S8G reactor, steam turbines, 1 shaft, 35,000 hp, 25 knots
Crew: Dual crews; 163 each crew
Sonar: BQQ-6 or BQQ-5E(V)4 passive suite (bow array), TB-23 towed array
Fire Control: CCS Mk 2 combat system, Mk 98 missile control, Mk 118 torpedo control
EW: WLR-8(V)5 suite, 8 countermeasures launchers (SSBN 738-743: 15 launchers)
Armament: 24 Trident II D-5 SLBM (Trident I C-4 in SSBN 727-731, 733), 4 21 inch torpedo tubes (Mk 48 torpedoes)

Concept/Program: Large, extremely capable and extremely quiet SSBNs. They have replaced all previous SSBNs, and form the bulk of US strategic forces. The first four boats of this class are scheduled for conversion to guided missile/special operations submarines. Ohio has recently completed her final patrol as a ballistic missile submarine and is now awaiting SSGN conversion; see below.

Builders: General Dynamics/Electric Boat, Groton, CT.

Design: A completely new SSBN design, considerably larger than previous designs, and carrying more missiles than any other SSBN. They are reported to be extremely quiet.

Modernization: SSBN 732 has been refitted with Trident II (D-5) missiles; SSBN 733 is being refitted, and SSBN 730 and 731 will follow.

Number Name Year FLT Homeport Group Notes
SSBN 727 Michigan 1982 PAC Bangor SubRon17
SSBN 728 Florida 1983 PAC Bangor SubRon17
SSBN 729 Georgia 1984 PAC Bangor SubRon17
SSBN 730 Henry M. Jackson 1984 PAC Bangor SubRon17
SSBN 731 Alabama 1985 PAC Bangor SubRon17
SSBN 732 Alaska 1986 PAC Bangor SubRon17
SSBN 733 Nevada 1986 PAC Bangor SubRon17
SSBN 734 Tennessee 1988 ATL King's Bay SubRon20
SSBN 735 Pennsylvania 1989 PAC Bangor SubRon17
SSBN 736 West Virginia 1990 ATL King's Bay SubRon20
SSBN 737 Kentucky 1991 PAC Bangor SubRon17
SSBN 738 Maryland 1992 ATL King's Bay SubRon20
SSBN 739 Nebraska 1993 ATL King's Bay SubRon16
SSBN 740 Rhode Island 1994 ATL King's Bay SubRon20
SSBN 741 Maine 1995 ATL King's Bay SubRon16
SSBN 742 Wyoming 1996 ATL King's Bay SubRon20
SSBN 743 Louisiana 1997 ATL King's Bay SubRon16
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Disposal Note: All previous SSBNs have been discarded, except Daniel Webster (ex-SSBN 626) and Sam Rayburn (ex-SSBN 635) survive as immobilized dockside training platforms, with their missile compartments removed.



Guided Missile Submarines

Ohio class guided missile submarines (0+4 ships)

Displacement: 18,750 tons submerged
Dimensions: 560 x 42 x 36.25 feet/170.7 x 12.8 x 11 meters
Propulsion: 1 S8G reactor, steam turbines, 1 shaft, 35,000 hp, 25 knots
Crew: 140 + 66 SEALs
Sonar: BQQ-5E(V)4 passive suite (bow array), TB-23 towed array
Fire Control: CCS Mk 2 combat system, Mk 98 missile control, Mk 118 torpedo control
EW: WLR-8(V)5 suite, 8 countermeasures launchers
Armament: 154 vertical launch Tomahawk missiles, 4 21 inch torpedo tubes (Mk 48 torpedoes)

Concept/Program: The first four SSBNs will be removed from strategic service starting in 2003 and will undergo a major conversion to combined guided missile/special operations submarines. Ohio has recently completed her final patrol as a ballistic missile submarine and is now awaiting SSGN conversion. The Trident missile tubes will be replaced by launchers for Tomahawk cruise missiles, and Dry Deck Shelters for SEAL equipment will be installed on deck.

Builders: General Dynamics/Electric Boat, Groton, CT. Conversions by Puget Sound NSY (first two), Norfolk NSY (second two).

Number Name Year FLT Homeport Group Notes
SSBN 726 Ohio 1981/2007 (PAC) (Bangor) Pending conversion
SSBN 727 Michigan 1982/2007 (PAC) (Bangor) Pending conversion
SSBN 728 Florida 1983/2008? (ATL) (King's Bay) Pending conversion
SSBN 729 Georgia 1984/2008? (ATL) (King's Bay) Pending conversion
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Attack Submarines

Virginia class attack submarines (0+30 ships)

Displacement: approx. 7,800 tons
Dimensions: 377 x 34 x 30.5 feet/114.9 x 10.4 x 9.3 meters
Propulsion: 1 S9G reactor, steam turbines, 1 shaft, 40,000 shp, 30+ knots
Crew: 113
Sonar: BQQ-10 suite with active/passive bow array, TB-29(A) towed array, TB-16 towed array, BQG-5A wide aperture arrays, WLY-1 acoustic intercept
EW: BLQ-10 suite, 1 reloadable 76mm countermeasures launcher, 14 external decoy launchers
Armament: 4 21 inch torpedo tubes (38 Mk48 torpedoes & Tomahawk), 12 vertical launch tubes (Tomahawk)

Concept/Program: A new-design SSN, intended to be more flexible and less expensive than Seawolf; it is planned to build up to 30 of these boats, to supplement and eventually replace the Los Angeles class.

Builders: General Dynamics/Electric Boat, Groton, CT and Northrop Grumman Newport News, VA (teamed).

Design: Intended to be a very quiet boat, and more technologically advanced than previous classes, but less expensive and more adaptable to future technologies and equipment. Designed to accommodate a SEAL team and their equipment; will be fitted to carry Dry Deck Shelters. There are several proposals for additional equipment and upgrades to be phased-in over the course of construction, including electric drive, additional VLS tubes, external weapons tubes, greater use of UUVs/ROVs, and an extra hull section to accommodate these systems.

Number Name Year FLT Homeport Group Notes
SSN 774 Virginia 2004 -- -- -- Building
SSN 775 Texas 2005 -- -- -- Building
SSN 776 Hawaii 2007 -- -- -- Building
SSN 777 North Carolina 2008 -- -- -- Building
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Seawolf class attack submarines (2 ships)

Displacement: 9,300 tons submerged
Dimensions: 353 x 40 x 35 feet/107.6 x 12 x 10.6 meters
Propulsion: 1 S6W reactor, steam turbines, 1 shaft, 45,500 shp, 35+ knots
Crew: 133
Sonar: BSY-2 suite with active/passive bow arrays, BQG-5 wide aperture arrays, TB-23 towed array, TB-16D towed array
EW: BLD-1 D/F, WLQ-4(V)1 suite, WLR-8(V) intercept
Armament: 8 26.5 inch torpedo tubes (50 Mk 48 & Tomahawk or 100 mines)

Concept/Program: A completely new and highly capable design, without a doubt the world's finest SSNs. Considered too expensive to procure in large numbers, so production was terminated in favor of the SSN 774 class. There were numerous technical problems during construction, but these appear to have been resolved. SSN 23 is being converted to a "special missions" boat and is listed separately.

Builders: General Dynamics/Electric Boat, Groton, CT.

Design: A new, large design with emphasis on extremely quiet operation, integrated combat systems, and automation. Have a highly automated torpedo handling system, anechoic hull tiles, and larger-diameter torpedo tubes.

Number Name Year FLT Homeport Group Notes
SSN 21 Seawolf 1997 ATL Groton SubDevRon12
SSN 22 Connecticut 1998 ATL Groton SubDevRon12
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Los Angeles class attack submarines (50 ships)

Displacement: SSN 688-699: 6,927 tons submerged; SSN 700-714: 6,977 tons submerged; SSN 716-725,750: 7,102 tons submerged; SSN 751-773: 7,147 tons submerged
Dimensions: 360 x 33 x 32 feet/109.7 x 10 x 9.7 meters
Propulsion: 1 S6G reactor, steam turbines, 1 shaft, 35,000 shp, 30+ knots
Crew: 141
Sonar: BQQ-5A(V)1 or BQQ-5C active/passive (bow array), TB-16D and TB-23 towed arrays or TB-29 towed array (SSN 751-773: BSY-1 suite)
Fire Control: CCS Mk 2, Mk 117 torpedo control
EW: BRD-7 D/F, WLQ-4(V), WLR-8(V) intercept, WLR-9/12, WLR-10 radar warning, countermeasures launchers
Armament: 4 21 inch torpedo tubes (22 Mk48 & Tomahawk; also mines in SSN 751-773); SSN 719-725,750-773: 12 vertical launch Tomahawk

Concept/Program: USN's "standard" SSN. These boats are highly capable multirole vessels, and will form the bulk of the US SSN force for many years. 11 of the earlier boats have been decommissioned to save refuelling costs, but there is growing interest in halting the premature decommissionings and refuelling the boats instead. SSN 691 has been modified for trials purposes and is listed separately.

Builders: General Dynamics/Electric Boat, Groton, CT; Newport News SB&DD, VA.

Design: A new design intended to recover speed lost in previous classes. Later boats have progressive improvements, including VLS tubes for Tomahawk (SSN 719+), integrated combat systems (SSN 751+), under-ice capabilities (SSN 751+), and minelaying capability (SSN 751+). Several boats are fitted to carry Dry Deck Shelters for SEAL operations, including SSN 688, 690, 700, 701, 715.

Modernization: A variety of upgrades are being considered, including improved communications, UAV and ROV/minehunting capabilities, new sonar processing systems, and WAA sonars.

Number Name Year FLT Homeport Group Notes
SSN 688 Los Angeles 1976 PAC Pearl Harbor SubRon1
SSN 690 Philadelphia 1977 ATL Groton SubDevRon12
SSN 698 Bremerton 1981 PAC San Diego SubRon11
SSN 699 Jacksonville 1981 ATL Norfolk SubRon8
SSN 700 Dallas 1981 ATL Groton SubRon2
SSN 701 La Jolla 1981 PAC Pearl Harbor
SSN 705 City of Corpus Christi 1983 PAC Guam SubRon15
SSN 706 Albuquerque 1983 ATL Groton SubRon2
SSN 707 Portsmouth 1983 PAC San Diego SubRon11
SSN 708 Minneapolis-Saint Paul 1984 ATL Norfolk SubRon6
SSN 709 Hyman G. Rickover 1984 ATL Norfolk SubRon8
SSN 710 Augusta 1985 ATL Groton SubDevRon12
SSN 711 San Francisco 1981 PAC Pearl Harbor SubRon1
SSN 713 Houston 1982 PAC San Diego SubRon11
SSN 714 Norfolk 1983 ATL Norfolk SubRon6
SSN 715 Buffalo 1983 PAC Pearl Harbor SubRon1
SSN 716 Salt Lake City 1984 PAC San Diego SubRon11
SSN 717 Olympia 1984 PAC Pearl Harbor SubRon3
SSN 718 Honolulu 1985 PAC Pearl Harbor SubRon3
SSN 719 Providence 1985 ATL Groton SubRon4
SSN 720 Pittsburgh 1985 ATL Groton SubRon2
SSN 721 Chicago 1986 PAC Pearl Harbor SubRon3
SSN 722 Key West 1987 PAC Pearl Harbor SubRon3
SSN 723 Oklahoma City 1988 ATL Groton SubRon8
SSN 724 Louisville 1986 PAC Pearl Harbor SubRon3
SSN 725 Helena 1987 PAC San Diego
SSN 750 Newport News 1989 ATL Norfolk SubRon8
SSN 751 San Juan 1988 ATL Groton SubDevRon12
SSN 752 Pasadena 1989 PAC Pearl Harbor SubRon7
SSN 753 Albany 1990 ATL Norfolk SubRon6
SSN 754 Topeka 1989 PAC Pearl Harbor SubRon7
SSN 755 Miami 1990 ATL Groton SubRon4
SSN 756 Scranton 1991 ATL Norfolk SubRon6
SSN 757 Alexandria 1991 ATL Groton SubDevRon12
SSN 758 Asheville 1991 PAC Pearl Harbor SubRon3
SSN 759 Jefferson City 1992 PAC San Diego SubRon11
SSN 760 Annapolis 1992 ATL Groton SubRon4
SSN 761 Springfield 1993 ATL Groton SubRon2
SSN 762 Columbus 1993 PAC Pearl Harbor SubRon7
SSN 763 Santa Fe 1994 PAC Pearl Harbor SubRon7
SSN 764 Boise 1992 ATL Norfolk SubRon8
SSN 765 Montpelier 1993 ATL Norfolk SubRon6
SSN 766 Charlotte 1994 ATL Pearl Harbor SubRon1
SSN 767 Hampton 1993 ATL Norfolk SubRon8
SSN 768 Hartford 1994 ATL Groton SubRon4
SSN 769 Toledo 1995 ATL Groton SubRon2
SSN 770 Tucson 1995 PAC Pearl Harbor SubRon7
SSN 771 Columbia 1995 PAC Pearl Harbor SubRon3
SSN 772 Greeneville 1996 PAC Pearl Harbor SubRon1
SSN 773 Cheyenne 1996 PAC Pearl Harbor SubRon7
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Disposal Note: All previous SSNs have been discarded, except Parche (SSN 683), listed below.



Special Mission Submarines

Jimmy Carter (modified Seawolf class) special operations/special missions submarine

Displacement: extimated 10,000+ tons submerged
Dimensions: 371 x 40 x 35 feet/115.83 x 12 x 10.6 meters
Propulsion: 1 S6W reactor, steam turbines, 1 shaft, 45,500 shp, 30+ knots
Crew: estimated 140+
Sonar: BSY-2 suite with active/passive bow arrays, BQG-5 wide aperture arrays, TB-23 towed array, TB-16D towed array
EW: BLD-1 D/F, WLQ-4(V)1 suite, WLR-8(V) intercept
Armament: 8 26.5 inch torpedo tubes (50 Mk 48 & Tomahawk or 100 mines)

Concept/Program: The 3rd Seawolf is being completed as a special operations (SEAL transport) and special missions (undersea recovery) submarine. The conversion includes an additional hull section, providing space for various minisubs, ROVs, UUVs, and other underwater vehicles and equipment. Although nominally considered a "combat-capable" submarine, will be primarily employed in these roles, not as a conventional SSN.

Builders: General Dynamics/Electric Boat, Groton, CT.

Number Name Year FLT Homeport Group Notes
SSN 23 Jimmy Carter 2004 (PAC) (Bangor) -- Building
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Parche (modified Sturgeon class) special missions submarine

Displacement: 7,140 tons submerged
Dimensions: 401.5 x 31 x 35 feet/122.4 x 9.4 x 10.6 meters
Propulsion: 1 S5W reactor, steam turbines, 1 shaft, 20,000 shp, 28 knots
Crew: 147
Sonar: BQQ-5 active/passive (bow array)
Fire Control: Mk 117 torpedo control
EW: WLQ-4E suite, BRD-7 D/F, WLR-9, countermeasures launchers
Armament: 4 21 inch torpedo tubes (23 Mk 48 torpedoes)

Concept/Program: A Sturgeon class boat extensively modified to carry out "ocean engineering", deep-sea search and recovery, and other special missions. Will be replaced by Jimmy Carter (SSN 23).

Builders: Litton/Ingalls SB, Pascagoula, MS; conversion by Mare Island Naval Shipyard, Vallejo, CA.

Conversion: Modified in 1976 for ocean engineering role; refuelled and extensively converted 1987-1991 to improve capabilities; modifications include a 100 foot hull extension forward of the sail.

Number Name Year FLT Homeport Group Notes
SSN 683 Parche 1974/91 PAC Bangor SubDevRon5 Decom 10/2003
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Auxiliary Submarines

Memphis (modified Los Angeles class) trials submarine

Displacement: approx 7,000 tons submerged
Dimensions: 360 x 33 x 32 feet/109.7 x 10 x 9.7 meters
Propulsion: 1 S6G reactor, steam turbines, 1 shaft, 35,000 shp, 30+ knots
Crew: approx. 160
Sonar: BQQ-5A(V)1 or BQQ-5C active/passive (bow array), trials towed arrays
Fire Control: CCS Mk 2, Mk 117 torpedo control
EW: BRD-7 D/F, WLQ-4(V), WLR-8(V) intercept, WLR-9/12, WLR-10 radar warning, countermeasures launchers
Armament: 3 21 inch torpedo tubes (Mk48 & Tomahawk), 1 26.5 inch torpedo tube

Concept/Program: A Los Angeles class submarine modified as a seagoing testbed for new submarine technologies and weapons. She was first assigned to this role in 1989, and underwent extensive modifications, including fitting of a larger torpedo tube, in 1993-94. Has an external shelter for ROVs, equipment for handling new towed arrays, and extensive test/trials monitoring equipment installations. Nominally considered a combat-capable vessel, but is unlikely to be usable in that role without modification and re-training.

Builders: Newport News SB&DD, VA.

Number Name Year FLT Homeport Group Notes
SSN 691 Memphis 1977/94 ATL Groton SubDevRon12
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ex-Trout (modified Tang class) autonomous ASW training submarine

Displacement: 2,700 tons
Dimensions: 278 x 27 x 19 feet/84.7 x 8.2 x 5.7 meters
Propulsion: Diesel-electric, 2 shafts, 5,600 shp, 16 knots
Crew: unmanned in use; small crew for transits

Concept/Program: The last operational diesel-electric submarine in the US Navy, has been designated for use as an operational underwater sonar target for ASW exercises. Conversion/modification for this role has not yet been completed. The vessel will be operated by NAWCAD Detachment Key West. In addition to ASW training, the boat will be used for testing and trials of new technologies. Will be manned by a small crew while surfaced for transit, but unmanned while submerged. The boat is not assigned an official designation or name.

Builders: Electric Boat, Groton, CT.

History: Formerly USS Trout (SS 566); decommissioned and stricken 19 December 1978 and nominally transferred to Iran. She was never delivered; following the Iranian revolution she was laid up at Philadelphia while her ownership and fate were worked out. In 1994 she was "sold" back to the US Navy at scrap value.

Number Name Year FLT Homeport Group Notes
ex-SS 566 ex-Trout 1951/94 ATL Key West NAWCAD
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Dolphin trials submarine

Displacement: 950 tons submerged
Dimensions: 165 x 19 x 16 feet/50.3 x 5.8 x 4.8 meters
Propulsion: 2 diesels, diesel-electric, 1 shaft, 1,650 hp, 15 knots
Crew: 27

Concept/Program: A small, deep-diving submarine built specifically to test various submarine equipment and new technologies. Her configuration has varied greatly over the years as systems have been added and removed. Recently suffered a fire and flooding at sea and will require extensive repair to return to operation.

Builders: Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Kittery, ME.

Number Name Year FLT Homeport Group Notes
AGSS 555 Dolphin 1968 PAC San Diego SubDevRon5
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Manned Submersibles

NR-1 nuclear powered research submersible

Displacement: 394 tons submerged
Dimensions: 136 x 12 x 15 feet/41.5 x 3.6 x 4.6 meters
Propulsion: 1 reactor, turbo-electric, 2 props, 5 knots
Crew: 11-13

Concept/Program: A small, nuclear powered submersible initially constructed to evaluate small nuclear power plants. During the Cold War she was employed in various clandestine underwater search/recovery and ocean engineering projects; more recently she has been employed in general subsurface research and survey tasks. The submarine is supported by the tender Carolyn Chouest.

Builders: Electric Boat, Groton, CT.

Design: This is a very small submarine, with most of the hull consumed by the reactor; there is a small control room and crew space at the front of the sub. She is fitted with wheels for rolling along the ocean floor, as well as various external cameras, manipulator arms and recovery claws. Maximum operating depth is 3000 ft.

Number Name Year FLT Homeport Group Notes
NR-1 (none) 1969 ATL Groton
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Advanced SEAL Delivery System infiltration submersibles (1+5 units)

Displacement: 60 tons submerged
Dimensions: 64 x 7.8 feet/19.81 x 2.44 meters
Propulsion: Electric motors, 1 shaft, 8 knots
Crew: 2 + 8 SEALs

Concept/Program: A new and significantly larger "minisub" designed to carry SEALs from an SSN into coastal waters. Will be carried aboard specially-equipped SSNs. The prototype unit has been delivered for testing, and a production run of 5 more units is planned. Testing is supported by the tender C-Commando, operating from Pearl Harbor.

Builders: Northrp Grumman, Annapolis, MD.

Design: The design features a dry pressure hull for the SEALs and submersible crew; there is an egress trunk with top and bottom hatches.

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Mystic rescue submersible

Displacement: 37 tons
Dimensions: 49 feet/14.9 meters long, 8 foot/2.4 meter diameter
Propulsion: Electric motor, 4 knots
Crew: 4 + 24 rescuees

Concept/Program: Rescue submersible designed to rescue crews from disabled submarines. Can be transported by air (C-5 Galaxy), specially designed support ships, submarines outfitted with transport cradles, trucks, and railroad. Supported by converted oilfield tugs Dolores Chouest and Kellie Chouest following the demise of specially-constructed submarine rescue ships. DSRV 2 has been deactivated but is retained at San Diego as a parts source. DSRV 1 will remain in service through 2005, when a new submarine rescue system is scheduled to be available.

Builders: Lockheed Missiles and Space, Sunnyvale, CA.

Design: Three 7.5 foot diameter spheres enclosed in a fiberglass casing, and fitted with a "universal" mating skirt to enable docking with virtually any submarine. Maximum operating depth is 5000 feet/1523 meters.

Number Name Year FLT Homeport Group Notes
DSRV 1 Mystic 1971 PAC San Diego SubDevRon5
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Alvin research submersible

Displacement: 16 tons
Dimensions: 22 feet/6.7 meters long, 8 foot/2.4 meter diameter
Propulsion: electric motor, 2 knots
Crew: 1 + 2 scientists

Concept/Program: First of the current generation of deep-diving submersibles, Alvin has seen extensive service in research, survey, search and recovery roles, both for civilian and military objectives. She has recently been extensively modernized. Operated by the National Deep Submergence Facility at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, supported by R/V Atlantis (AGOR 25). The Navy exercises no operational control over Alvin. Studies for a replacement submersible are now underway.

Builders: General Mills, Minneapolis, MN.

Design: Single sphere in a fiberglass housing; 13,124 foot maximum depth. Fitted with various manipulator arms and can carry/operate several ROVs. Can be airlifted by C-5 Galaxy airlifter.

Number Name Year FLT Homeport Group Notes
(DSV 2) Alvin 1965 ATL Woods Hole WHOI/NDSF
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Note: There are also 10 MkVIII Mod 1 Swimmer Delivery Vehicles. These are small, short-range submersibles with no dry pressure hull for their pasengers.

Disposal Note: The other two DSVs have been deactivated: Turtle (DSV 3) on 1 October 1997, and Sea Cliff (DSV 4) on 1 August 1998. Turtle is now a museum exhibit, and Sea Cliff has become a parts source for Alvin.


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Compiled and maintained by Andrew Toppan.
Copyright © 1997-2003, Andrew Toppan. All Rights Reserved.
Reproduction, reuse, or distribution without permission is prohibited.