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[[Image:Typhoon3.jpg|right|thumb|250px|A typhoon class nuclear ballistic missile submarine.]]

[[Image:Typhoon3.jpg|right|thumb|250px|A typhoon class nuclear ballistic missile submarine.]]

A '''submarine''' is a vehicle that travels under water (i.e. an underwater boat). The submarine was invented in the 17th century. Though it was originally designed for the purpose of exploration, its military benefits soon became clear. The first military submarine was the Turtle which was used by the Colonists during the [[American Revolution]] without success.

A '''submarine''' is a vehicle that travels under water (i.e. an underwater boat). The submarine was invented in the 17th century. Though it was originally designed for the purpose of exploration, its military benefits soon became clear. The first military submarine was the Turtle which was used by the Colonists during the [[American Revolution]], although without success.

The first submarine to successfully sink a ship was the [[CSS Hunley|CSS ''Hunley'']] which sank the USS ''Housatonic'' during the [[American Civil War]] on 17 February 1864 in Charleston Harbour.  The ''Hunley'' never returned from the mission, sinking with the loss of all crew.

The first submarine to successfully sink a ship was the Confederate vessel [[CSS Hunley|CSS ''Hunley'']] which sank the USS ''Housatonic'' during the [[American Civil War]] on 17 February 1864 in Charleston Harbour.  The ''Hunley'' never returned from the mission, sinking with the loss of all crew.  It has recently been found and recovered.

The first submarine commissioned into the United States Navy was the USS ''Holland''.  She was commissioned on Columbus Day in 1900 and was subsequently designated SS 1.   

The first submarine commissioned into the United States Navy was the USS ''Holland''.  She was commissioned on Columbus Day in 1900 and was subsequently designated SS 1.