USS Bowfin - USS Dallas

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USS Dallas
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Education Program
USS Dallas (SSN-700)

A Brief History of USS Dallas:

USS Dallas (SSN-700): (Cold War to Present). Birthed in the Nuclear Age after USS Nautilus (SSN-571) Dallas and her contemporary nuclear submarines are marvels of technology. No longer limited by visual sensors, the submarines make full use of their environment both from an aggressor and defender viewpoint. Her sensor envelope has grown from the 25 mile radius of World War II to hundreds of miles due to the ability to integrate off-submarine sensor data. Included in this sensor input are vast quantities of computerized data from satellite sensors and intelligence sources from off the submarine pushed passively via sophisticated communications methods. Use of nuclear power has permitted the full development of the submarine shape for high quiet submerged speeds. The submarine only requires the initial nuclear fueling for the life of the submarine. With virtually unlimited endurance from the nuclear propulsion source and improvements in controlling all aspects of the internal atmosphere, there is no longer a requirement to surface. Submarines have added Direct Support for Carrier Battle Groups and Strike Warfare as missions. Submarine Direct Support to protect Carrier Battle Groups is necessary because not only do we have nuclear submarines but so do potential adversaries. Strike warfare is demonstrated effectively using Tomahawk missiles in the Gulf War and in the police action in Bosnia. Weapons are now smart with ranges in hundreds of miles. Satellites to both communicate and navigate have improved the accuracy of submarine location and the timeliness of reporting. Computer uses in all aspects of the submarine from design and construction to maintenance and employment has created a formidable weapons platform that can effectively employ stealth as a weapon. Modern sound isolation techniques that isolate equipment as well as submarine hull coatings that acoustical "de-couple" sound to reduce both radiated and active sonar response signatures greatly assist in this stealth effort that is cradle to grave.

USS Dallas

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