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Living Life and Avoiding Death on a Nuclear Submarine: An Insider's Guide to Life and Death in the Deep

George R.R. Martin

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Published in Under Pressure: Living Life And Avoiding Death On A Nuclear Submarine

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The world of nuclear submarines is a realm of extremes: extreme pressure, extreme isolation, and extreme danger. For the submariners who call these vessels home, it is a life of constant vigilance, technical prowess, and an unyielding determination to survive.

This article will provide an insider's perspective on life and death aboard a nuclear submarine. We will explore the unique challenges that submariners face, from the physical and psychological demands of living in a confined space to the ever-present threat of catastrophic events. We will also discuss the safety measures that are in place to protect submariners and the training that they undergo to prepare for the worst.

Under Pressure: Living Life and Avoiding Death on a Nuclear Submarine

by Richard Humphreys

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Finally, we will share some of the stories of submariners who have faced death and emerged victorious. These stories are a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of teamwork in the face of adversity.

Life on a Nuclear Submarine

Life on a nuclear submarine is a unique experience that is unlike anything else on Earth. The submarine is a self-contained world, with its own air, water, and food supply. The crew lives and works in close quarters, and they must rely on each other to survive.

The days on a submarine are long and structured. The crew typically works 12-hour shifts, with four hours on watch and eight hours off. During their watch, the crew members are responsible for operating the submarine's systems, monitoring the environment, and keeping a lookout for potential threats.

When they are off watch, the crew members can relax and socialize in the submarine's common areas. They can watch movies, read books, play games, or simply talk to each other. The crew also has access to a gym, a library, and a chapel.

Despite the long hours and the confined space, the crew members on a nuclear submarine typically develop a strong sense of camaraderie. They know that they can rely on each other to get through tough times, and they are proud of the role that they play in defending their country.

The Challenges of Life on a Submarine

Life on a nuclear submarine is not without its challenges. The crew members must be able to adapt to living in a confined space, working long hours, and being away from their families for extended periods of time. They must also be able to withstand the physical and psychological demands of deep sea diving and high-pressure environments.

One of the biggest challenges for submariners is the lack of privacy. The crew members live in close quarters, and they share everything from their sleeping space to their bathroom. This can be difficult for people who are used to having their own space.

Another challenge for submariners is the isolation. The submarines are often deployed for months at a time, and the crew members can go weeks without seeing land. This can be difficult for people who are used to being around other people.

The crew members on a nuclear submarine must also be able to withstand the physical and psychological demands of deep sea diving and high-pressure environments. The submarines can dive to depths of over 1,000 feet, and the pressure at these depths can be crushing. The crew members must also be able to work in dark, cramped conditions for long periods of time.

The Risks of Life on a Submarine

Life on a nuclear submarine is also fraught with risks. The submarines are potential targets for enemy attacks, and they can also be involved in accidents. In addition, the crew members are exposed to a number of hazards, including radiation, fire, and explosions.

The most serious risk to submariners is an attack by an enemy vessel. The submarines are armed with torpedoes and missiles, but they are no match for a modern warship. In the event of an attack, the crew members would have to abandon the submarine and hope to be rescued.

The submarines are also vulnerable to accidents. The submarines are complex machines, and there is always the potential for something to go wrong. In the event of an accident, the crew members would have to work quickly to repair the damage and prevent the submarine from sinking.

The crew members on a nuclear submarine are also exposed to a number of hazards, including radiation, fire, and explosions. The submarines are powered by nuclear reactors, and the crew members are exposed to low levels of radiation. The submarines also have a number of potential fire hazards, including the fuel tanks and the electrical systems. The crew members are also at risk of explosions, which can be caused by a number of factors, including torpedo malfunctions and enemy attacks.

The Safety Measures on a Nuclear Submarine

The safety of the crew members on a nuclear submarine is of paramount importance. The submarines are equipped with a number of safety features, including redundant systems, watertight compartments, and emergency escape hatches. The crew members are also trained to respond to a variety of emergencies.

The submarines are equipped with redundant systems so that if one system fails, another system can take over. The submarines also have watertight compartments so that if one compartment is flooded, the others will remain dry. The submarines also have emergency escape hatches that allow the crew members to escape the submarine if it is sinking.

The crew members on a nuclear submarine are trained to respond to a variety of emergencies. The crew members are trained to fight fires, repair damage, and evacuate the submarine if necessary. The crew members are also trained to deal with the psychological effects of being in a confined space for long periods of time.

The Training of Submariners

The training of submariners is rigorous and demanding. The crew members must be able to master a wide range of skills, including navigation, engineering, and weapons systems. The crew members also must be able to work in a team environment and be able to respond to emergencies quickly and effectively.

The training of submariners begins with a six-month course at the Naval Nuclear Power School. The course covers the basics of nuclear power and the operation of nuclear reactors. The crew members also receive training in submarine safety and emergency procedures.

After completing the Naval Nuclear Power School, the crew members are assigned to a submarine for further training. The crew members will spend several months learning about the submarine's systems and how to operate the submarine. The crew members will also participate in a number of drills and exercises to prepare for emergencies.

Once the crew members have completed their training, they are ready to deploy on a submarine. The crew members will typically deploy for six months at a time. During their deployment, the crew members will perform a variety of tasks, including conducting surveillance, collecting intelligence, and launching missiles.

The Stories of Submariners

The stories of submariners are a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of teamwork in the face of adversity. The stories of submariners are also a reminder of the risks and sacrifices that these men and women make to protect their country.

Here is one story of a submariner who faced death and emerged victorious.

In 2001, the USS Greeneville was conducting a training exercise off the coast of Hawaii. The Greeneville was about to surface when it collided with the Japanese fishing vessel Ehime Maru. The collision killed nine people on the Ehime Maru.

The Greeneville was able to surface, but it was badly damaged. The crew members on the Greeneville worked quickly to repair the damage and prevent the submarine from sinking. The crew members also worked to rescue the survivors from the Ehime Maru.

The Greeneville was eventually able to return to port, and the crew members were hailed as heroes for their bravery and quick thinking. The story of the USS Greeneville is a reminder of the risks that submariners face and the sacrifices that they make to protect their country.

Under Pressure: Living Life and Avoiding Death on a Nuclear Submarine

by Richard Humphreys

4.2 out of 5