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Submarine | Nuclear Submarine Or Just Nuclear?


On November 4, 2019, ABC News anchor David Muir performed a special report featuring the nuclear-powered submarine, the USS Florida. I watched the report in amazement! The report highlighted many capabilities of the submarine and its crew. How deep can a submarine dive? I found out through Google that the answer to this question is classified. However, the Navy can tell us that their submarines can submerge deeper than 800 feet, which is different from research submarines that explore the seafloor. I am featuring some excerpts from the report when David Muir spoke with Capt. Seth Burton and Rear Adm. William Houston.

“The sailors have to be ready for anything at a moment's notice.”

“We can operate more than 90 to 120 days submerged, and the reason is because that reactor gives us all the power we need.”


“The submarine has only been fueled once. The nuclear power also produces oxygen on board while under the sea.”


“The submarine breaks down demineralized water into oxygen and hydrogen, making twice as much hydrogen as oxygen. Then, the hydrogen is sent overboard.”


“The USS Florida is also equipped to be ready for U.S. Special Operations Forces and Navy SEALs to board at any time -- their weapons are already on board.”


“There is also one more powerful weapon the submarine carries as well: the torpedo. The submarine has eight of them on board and one is already loaded.”


I’m a little bit of a nerd, so this kind of stuff - the discipline, the steadfastness, and readiness, makes me excited! I immediately started talking to my husband about how I could personally achieve the persona of the crew of a nuclear submarine. My husband and I both laughed at the word nuclear. When the word nuclear is used to describe an individual’s personality, the word characterizes the personality as a destructive power coming from an uncontrolled reaction. So, no, I don’t want to be nuclear in that way! However, I do want to be ready, steadfast and immovable.


Share your thoughts on nuclear.


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