The USS Nautilus (SSN-571) became the world’s first operational nuclear-powered submarine. She was awarded in 1951, and construction commenced in 1952. Nautilus had her launching on 21 January 1954. At launch First Lady Mamie Eisenhower broke the traditional bottle of champagne across her bow.
Being a nuclear-powered submarine The USS Nautilus (SSN-571) was able to remain submerged much longer than other submarines. For that reason she broke many records in her first years of operation. She also was able to travel to places that before were unreachable by other submarines.
During her operations she revealed several limitations in her design. These limitations once found were used to assist in designing future submarines. Allowing for improvements in the construction of new submarines.
First trip underway
The first Commanding Officer of the Nautilus Commander Eugene P Wilkinson, ordered the ship underway, in doing so he signaled the historic message “underway on Nuclear Power”. On 10 May she set off south for shakedown, submerged for the journey the USS Nautilus (SSN-571) traveled 1,100 nautical miles. from New London to San Juan.
The Nautilus traveled 1,200 nautical miles in less than 90 hours. Achieving the longest submerged cruise by a submarine at that time. Because of that she was also able to set another record which was reaching the fastest sustained speed for one hour. The Nautilus conducted exercises from 1955 through 1957 to investigate effects of increased speeds and endurance for submarines. The improvements made the progress in anti-submarine warfare during World War II virtually obsolete.
Under way under the North Pole
On 3 August 1958 the Nautilus became the first watercraft to reach the North Pole. Navigation under the ice was difficult. Above 85°N , both the magnetic compasses , and the normal gyrocompasses, became inaccurate. Sperry Rand built and installed a special gyrocompasses this would ensure the submarine and her crew would reach a safe destination.
Nautilus logged over 300,000 nautical miles, commissioned 30 September 1954 and decommissioned 3 March 1980. She conducted many exercises. She helped the Navy gain valuable information on how to build the submarines we have today. she is currently being preserved as a historic landmark located at Submarine Force Library and Museum.