Life Inside US $4 Billion Nuclear Submarine. Inside Kitchen and Sleeping Rooms

Recent questions

• What are the living conditions like on a submarine?

  Crew members on a submarine experience cramped living conditions due to the presence of nuclear reactors, propulsion systems, and various equipment taking up much of the vessel. Living quarters consist of bunk rooms with individual racks, limited storage space, and shared beds. Facilities like toilets and showers are limited, with strict time limits for showers and assigned days for laundry. Despite the tight spaces, crew members have designated sleep periods and enjoy high-quality food to boost morale.

• How do crew members manage their time on a submarine?

  Crew members on a submarine work on a 24-hour day split into 8-hour shifts, with 16 hours between watches for maintenance, training, or other tasks. This leaves little free time for the crew. Keeping track of time is challenging due to the lack of natural light, but meal types indicate the time of day. Despite the demanding schedule, crew members find ways to balance work, rest, and personal time within the constraints of submarine life.

• What is the food situation like on a submarine?

  Submarines carry enough food for 90 to 120 days, with creative storage solutions for canned and perishable items. Cooks trained at culinary school prepare meals for the crew, ensuring high-quality food to boost morale. Meal types also indicate the time of day, helping crew members keep track of time in the absence of natural light. Despite the limited space and resources, submariners enjoy well-prepared meals during their time at sea.

• How is communication handled on a submarine?

  Communication with the outside world is restricted on a submarine, with emails subject to inspection and limited internet access. Submariners are not allowed personal use of Wi-Fi or Bluetooth while on board. This limited communication helps maintain security and operational integrity while the submarine is at sea. Despite the restrictions, crew members find ways to stay connected with their loved ones and the outside world during their deployments.

• How is medical care provided on a submarine?

  Medical care on a submarine is provided by Independent Duty Corpsmen (IDCs) who handle crew health, emergency medical care, radiation health, and other medical tasks. In emergencies, the wardroom doubles as a surgery table to provide necessary medical care to crew members. Despite the challenges of providing medical care in a confined space, submariners receive the necessary medical attention to ensure their health and well-being while at sea.